By Anita John 
A Nigerian man named Mercy Ojedeji has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for using fake credentials to gain PhD admission into the University of Missouri, St. Louis County, United States.
He didn’t just forge every aspect of the admission process—including academic transcripts and recommendation letters—he also engaged in financial fraud.
A press statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, disclosed that the intended scam is said to be worth over $1,000,000.
Already, he had obtained a tuition waiver worth $49,000, along with stipends and other benefits, after submitting a manipulated English language proficiency report for his PhD programme in Chemistry.
The 24-year-old Nigerian, who reportedly secured admission in Fall 2023, was able to acquire a Social Security Number (SSN) and a driving license, which he used to open bank accounts.
How the Bubble Burst
After securing the PhD admission, Ojedeji began skipping classes, failed to perform his assistantship duties, did not join any research group, which culminated to his expulsion by the institution in February 2024. His student visa was revoked, exposing his fraudulent trail.
A Romance Scammer Too
His offence goes beyond fake academic records. A barrage of complaints from romance scam victims triggered the FBI’s investigation, which eventually led them to his girlfriend’s house. He had been using her address to receive cash and gift cards.
Within two weeks, FBI agents tracked 35 Express Mail packages to the girlfriend’s residence. They said the fraud was perpetrated between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024.
According to official records, “a total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman,” a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed.
Facing a 20-Year Jail Term
Ojedeji, who has already confessed and pleaded guilty to the charges, is expected to appear in court on July 10, 2025.
He faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The immigration-related charge carries a separate penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and the same fine.
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