Fact-Check Report: Mercy Ojedeji Faces Up to 20 Years, Not 30 Years, in U.S. Prison for Visa Fraud
Claim: “Did Nigerian Student 24-year-old, Mercy Ojedeji, Admits to Visa Fraud, Faces Up to 30 Years in U.S. Prison?”
Verdict: False
Evidence:
Mercy Ojedeji, a 24-year-old Nigerian national, has pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and wire fraud in U.S. federal court. The charges stem from his admission into a University of Missouri chemistry PhD program using forged academic credentials, resulting in over $49,000 in educational benefits
According to federal prosecutors, Ojedeji faces up to **20 years** in federal prison, not 30 years. His fraud extended beyond academic deception, with additional concerns over a romance scam targeting more than $1 million. Ojedeji was arrested after an investigation linked him to a residence used to receive proceeds from scams.
Sources:
- Saharareporters – Nigerian Faces 20-Year Prison Sentence After Admitting To Student Visa Fraud
- Daily Post – Nigerian PhD Student Arrested Over Alleged $1m Fraud, Romance Scam
- Pulse.ng – Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to Wire and Immigration Fraud in US
Conclusion:
The claim regarding Mercy Ojedeji facing up to 30 years in prison for visa fraud is false. Reliable sources indicate he faces up to 20 years due to charges of using fraudulent immigration documents and wire fraud.
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