Nigerian PhD student pleads guilty to fraud in US
A 24-year-old Nigerian man has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to using forged documents to fraudulently secure a student visa, enrol in a PhD programme, and obtain multiple benefits, including housing, a Social Security card, and financial support.
Mercy Ojedeji admitted to submitting counterfeit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a fake English proficiency report, and a falsified résumé to gain admission to the University of Missouri’s chemistry PhD programme in 2023. The documents also enabled him to obtain a student visa and a financial package worth over $49,000.
Ojedeji later used the student visa to apply for a Social Security card, open a bank account, and rent an apartment with assistance from his partner.
However, he failed to attend classes, take on teaching or research duties, or join a research group. He was removed from the programme in January 2024, leading to the termination of his student visa.
Despite this, he used the invalid visa to acquire a driver’s licence in Missouri the following month.
U.S. authorities say Ojedeji became the focus of a wider investigation into romance fraud after postal inspectors received complaints about cash and gift cards being mailed to his partner’s address.
Between December 2023 and early January 2024, at least 35 packages linked to Nigerian IP addresses were delivered to the address. Investigators say more than 190 packages were sent there during his relationship with the woman.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims that the intended financial loss could exceed $1 million, based on cash and items recovered from 17 of the seized packages. Ojedeji, however, continues to deny involvement in the romance scam itself.
He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of using fraudulent immigration documents. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for July 10.
The case has drawn attention in West Africa, where similar fraudulent document schemes have raised concerns about the ease with which falsified records are used to exploit foreign admissions systems. It also highlights the broader implications of cyber-enabled fraud linked to parts of the region.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with support from the FBI and local law enforcement.
