Nigerian student Mercy Ojedeji faces up to 20 years in U.S. prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and forging documents to gain PhD admission and scam over $1 million, prosecutors say
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Mercy Ojedeji, a 24-year-old Nigerian, for forging academic transcripts to gain admission into the University of Missouri, St. Louis County. Authorities said Ojedeji used falsified credentials—including transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and an English proficiency report—to secure a tuition waiver worth $49,000, alongside stipends and other benefits.
After enrolling in Fall 2023, Ojedeji skipped classes, failed to join a research group, and neglected assistantship duties, leading to his expulsion in February 2024 and the revocation of his student visa.
The FBI traced him after complaints from romance scam victims led them to his girlfriend’s residence, where 35 Express Mail packages were received in just over two weeks. A search revealed 193 packages had been sent during their relationship.
“The intended scam exceeded $1 million,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ojedeji pleaded guilty to wire fraud and using forged immigration documents. He faces up to 20 years in prison.