Mercy Ojedeji, a Nigerian student, was arrested by the FBI for using forged documents to gain admission into a U.S. PhD program. The $1M fraud scheme included fake transcripts, visa deception, and links to romance scams. He now faces up to 20 years in U.S. federal prison for wire fraud.
A Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, has been arrested by the FBI in the United States for using forged academic documents to fraudulently gain admission into a doctoral program at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
The 24-year-old reportedly submitted falsified academic transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and an English proficiency report to secure a spot in the university’s Chemistry PhD program in Fall 2023. Along with admission, he obtained a tuition waiver worth $49,000, stipends, and additional academic benefits.
Authorities said Ojedeji failed to meet academic and assistantship obligations shortly after enrolling. He stopped attending classes and never joined a research group, leading to his expulsion in February 2024 and the cancellation of his student visa.
His activities drew federal attention when the FBI, probing a series of romance scams, traced a suspicious volume of mail to his girlfriend's residence. Between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024, over 35 express mail packages were delivered there. In total, 193 packages from various delivery services were linked to the address during his stay.
Following a court-approved search, federal agents discovered links between Ojedeji’s academic fraud and a wider wire fraud scheme. U.S. prosecutors revealed that his actions were part of a larger scam valued at over $1 million.
Ojedeji pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and using forged immigration documents in U.S. District Court. He now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
