FBI Arrests Nigerian National for Forging Academic Records to Secure U.S. University Admission

The FBI has arrested Mercy Ojedeji, a Nigerian national, for forging academic documents in order to gain admission to the University of Missouri and secure a tuition waiver worth $49,000, along with stipends and other benefits. Investigations revealed that Ojedeji, 24, falsified his transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and an English Language proficiency report to strengthen his application for a PhD program in Chemistry.

After being accepted into the program in Fall 2023, Ojedeji opened a bank account with the fraudulent credentials. However, he soon began skipping classes, neglecting his assistantship duties, and failing to join a research group. His inaction ultimately led to his expulsion from the university in February 2024 and the revocation of his student visa.

Ojedeji first caught the FBI’s attention after complaints from victims of romance scams led agents to his girlfriend’s house, which was used to receive cash and gift cards. The FBI tracked 35 Express Mail packages sent to the address between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024. Further investigation revealed that a total of 193 packages had been sent to the residence during his relationship with the woman.

Ojedeji pleaded guilty to using forged immigration documents and committing wire fraud in a U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Prosecutors argue that his intended scam could have exceeded $1 million. The Nigerian national now faces up to 20 years in prison.