Nigerian Woman Sentenced to 41 Months in US for Student Visa Fraud

A 26-year-old Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison in the United States for a multi-faceted fraud scheme involving a student visa. Authorities stated that Ojedeji obtained a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri through false representations, claiming eligibility to study in the country.

In addition to the visa and admission, Ojedeji was found to have fraudulently obtained a Social Security card, a driver’s license, a bank account, and an apartment under false pretenses. Prosecutors revealed that she also received a stipend of $49,000, which she was not entitled to, as part of the scheme to access educational and financial benefits.

The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that her actions violated multiple federal statutes related to immigration and financial fraud. Officials noted that cases like Ojedeji’s undermine the integrity of the U.S. student visa program and impose financial and administrative burdens on universities and federal agencies.

This case serves as a warning to individuals seeking to circumvent legal processes for personal gain. What do you think about the sentence and its implications for other international students? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Share to: