A Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, aged 24, has pleaded guilty in the United States to charges involving wire fraud and the use of forged immigration documents.
In a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, it was confirmed that Ojedeji entered his plea before a federal court in St. Louis.
On Wednesday, Ojedeji admitted to securing a U.S. student visa using falsified documents, including fake academic credentials, reference letters, a fabricated résumé, and a bogus certificate of English proficiency. These documents enabled him to gain admission into the University of Missouri’s PhD program in chemistry for the Fall 2023 term.
With the fraudulent visa, he successfully obtained a Social Security number, a Missouri state driver’s license, opened a bank account, and secured housing. He also received over $49,000 in benefits from the university through a tuition waiver and monthly stipend.
However, his absence from classes and failure to participate in academic activities led to his dismissal from the program in January 2024, which also invalidated his visa. Despite this, Ojedeji went on to use the revoked visa to obtain a state-issued driver’s license in February 2024.
Authorities were alerted after the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received reports related to a romance scam. Multiple victims had reportedly sent packages containing money and gift cards to the address of Ojedeji’s romantic partner.
Investigators traced 35 packages sent between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024, to Nigerian-based IP addresses. A court-approved search of the home uncovered a total of 193 packages delivered through various courier services. Seventeen of them contained a combined total of $94,150 in cash and gift cards.
Prosecutors believe the intended financial loss from the scam could surpass $1 million.
While Ojedeji admitted to visa and wire fraud, he denied being part of the romance scam. His sentencing is scheduled for July 10. The wire fraud charge carries a potential 20-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000, while immigration fraud could result in an additional 10 years and a similar fine. Final sentencing will be determined by the court.
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