Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, a school owner, over alleged involvement in visa fraud and fake foreign scholarship schemes.
The EFCC in a statement issued on Friday via Facebook, said Okpong, who owns Michael Udonquak Schools in Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, allegedly defrauded several victims under the guise of securing international scholarships and study visas.
One of the victims, Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, a medical practitioner, petitioned the anti-graft agency, claiming she was swindled out of N3 million by the suspect. Bassey said Okpong approached her in February 2024 with a supposed Canadian study and scholarship offer, assuring her that she could handle the entire process.
Bassey revealed that she only made the payment after the suspect signed and notarized an indemnity agreement.
However, after receiving the funds, Okpong allegedly became unreachable, ignoring calls and failing to deliver on her promises.
The petitioner further disclosed that the suspect had defrauded several others, including one of her friends who got stranded in China after realizing that the supposed scholarship was fake
Some victims reportedly travelled abroad with forged documents, leaving them stranded or deported.
EFCC confirmed that Okpong would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
How can Nigerians better verify scholarship and visa offers to avoid falling victim to scams like this? Let’s know your thoughts in the comment section.