Akwa Ibom APC Chieftain arraigned by EFCC over alleged $525,276 investment scam
An Akwa Ibom State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged investment fraud involving foreign victims.
The EFCC, through its Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, brought Victor Ekpong Thompson before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court in Uyo. He is accused of defrauding several American citizens of a total sum of $525,276.
Thompson, who is said to be a recognised APC chieftain in Akwa Ibom State and a ward leader in his local government area, was charged on eight counts. The EFCC alleged that he obtained money from his victims by falsely claiming he would invest the funds in mineral mining and deep sea port projects.
According to the charges, the alleged victims include Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen and others. One of the counts stated that Thompson fraudulently collected $213,350 between April and December 2024 under the pretence of running legitimate investment ventures.
When the charges were read in court, Thompson pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Joshua Abolarin, asked the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending the conclusion of the case.
In response, defence counsel, Savn Daniel, made an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Adaobi adjourned the case to March 19, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application and the commencement of trial. The court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo until the next hearing date.
