By Rikki Nwajiofor
In a significant development highlighting the growing crackdown on online misinformation and character defamation in Nigeria, Michael Itok, a well-known serial propagandist, has been arrested by authorities. Itok, infamous for originating, peddling, and disseminating false information via his Facebook page, is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters. He is expected to be arraigned soon on multiple charges related to his recent Facebook posts.
Itok’s latest controversy stems from his vocal defense of Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Directorate on charges of allegedly defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in a fake mineral and seaport investment scheme. According to the EFCC reports, published on the EFCC official Facebook page on 2nd February 2026, Victor Thompson was arraigned on eight-count charges.
Rather than allowing the EFCC to conduct its investigation unimpeded, Michael Itok took to his Facebook page to spread what can best be described as deliberate misinformation. He falsely claimed that Victor Thompson’s arrest was a “witch hunt” stemming from Victor’s alleged refusal to marry the daughter of an American investor – Mrs. Tammy Jensen. This narrative, entirely fabricated, aimed to mislead the public and undermine the ongoing probe into serious financial crimes.
Investigations reveal that the actual allegations against Victor Thompson center on fraud against American investors led by Mrs. Jensen, who is a respected humble philanthropist, a dedicated Christian, a motivational speaker, and a self-discovery coach who founded WIRA (Who I Really Am) International – an organization focused on human empowerment and spiritual growth. Mrs. Tammy Jensen is happily married to Mr. Peter Jensen – a highly disciplined husband, an outstanding US Airforce Lt. Col (rtd), and a devout Christian with a heart of gold. The Jensens, renowned as a role model for families, are set to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on February 16, 2026, a milestone that stands in stark contrast to Itok’s defamatory tales.
By publishing photos of Mrs. Jensen and peddling these lies, Itok not only attempted to discredit the alleged victim but also risked inciting public confusion about a legitimate EFCC investigation. Such actions, experts argue, erode trust in law enforcement and could hinder justice in fraud cases that impact international relations.
Itok’s recent posts on his Facebook page extend beyond Victor Thompson’s case. He also published unprintable and blackmailing articles targeting Imabong Uboh, a prominent figure in Akwa Ibom, and Senator John James Akpan Udo-Edehe, a seasoned politician from Akwa Ibom North East District.
Recall that on October 8, 2019, Michael Itok was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of publishing damaging, harassing, and blackmailing content against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. The incident, widely reported by Premium Times (online) on November 27 and 29, 2019 involved “annoying” Facebook posts that led to his detention for over 60 days. Itok was granted bail in December 2019 in the sum of N500,000 by the Akwa Ibom State High Court. Despite this history, Itok continued his activities, prompting the current arrest.
As Itok awaits arraignment on multiple count charges under cybercrime laws, this arrest serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the EFCC’s commitment to pursuing fraud cases and the broader push by Nigerian security agencies to curb online abuse. The public is urged to verify information from credible sources and avoid amplifying unverified claims.
Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.
