Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a school owner, Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, for her alleged involvement in multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.
Okpong, who reportedly operates Michael Udonquak Schools in Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, was arrested following a petition by a medical practitioner, Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauding her of ₦3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) under the pretext of securing a university admission and processing Canadian study visas for her and her husband.
According to the petitioner, the suspect approached her in February 2024, claiming to have connections to foreign universities and offering to facilitate scholarship opportunities and study visas.
Dr. Bassey stated that she initially declined to make any payment until the suspect signed an indemnity agreement, which was duly notarized, to guarantee the safety of the transaction. Thereafter, she transferred ₦3 million electronically into the suspect’s First Bank account.
However, after receiving the funds, Okpong allegedly became incommunicado, refusing to take phone calls and failing to deliver on the agreed services or refund the money.
The petitioner further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims through similar schemes.
“She duped one of my friends I met in China, who got stranded there after discovering there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and ended up stranded, while others faced deportation after suffering huge financial losses,” Bassey said.
EFCC investigators disclosed that preliminary findings indicate that the suspect may have run a network of fake scholarship and visa syndicates, exploiting the aspirations of Nigerians seeking education abroad.
According to the Commission, Okpong will face prosecution upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The EFCC urged members of the public to be wary of individuals and institutions offering unverified foreign admission and scholarship opportunities, warning that fraudsters often exploit the desperation of victims through convincing but fake documents.
The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are finalized.
