FBI NABS Nigerian, who forged academic records to obtain admission to American universities

The FBI has arrested Nigerian Mercy Ojedeji, who forged academic transcripts to secure admission to the University of Missouri in St. Louis County and received a $49,000 tuition waiver, allowance and other benefits.

The survey shows that Mr. Ojedeji, 24, forged his transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation and proficiency report on English proficiency to strengthen his PhD program in the field of chemistry.

Mr. Ojedeji began skipping courses after admission in fall 2023 and opening a bank account with a fraudulent certificate. He has not yet assumed the role of an assistant or even joined the research group, and the action eventually led to his deportation from the school in February 2024 and his student visa revoked.

Mr. Ojedeji first boarded the FBI radar on the FBI radar after a series of complaints from the victims of the romantic scam, bringing the agent to his girlfriend’s home, the address used to receive cash and gift cards.

FBI agents tracked 35 express mail packaging in two weeks, especially between December 19, 2023 and January 4, 2024.

The court issued a search warrant through Postal Service Express, FedEx and Joint Package Services during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman, and the agents found that “a total of 193 parcels were dispatched through Postal Service Express, FedEx and Joint Package Services”.

Mr. Ojedeji pleaded guilty to the use of forged immigration documents and wire fraud in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis after prosecutors argued that his expected scam was more than $1 million.

Nigerian nationals face 20 years in prison.