Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, have apprehended Mrs. Imaobong Okpong, a school owner in Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, over alleged involvement in multiple fake foreign scholarship and visa racketeering schemes.
According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X handle on Friday, Okpong was arrested following a petition by one Dr. Blessing Bassey, who accused her of defrauding her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and Canadian study visas for her and her husband.
Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with a supposed opportunity to obtain a foreign scholarship. She added that she only made payment after Okpong signed and notarised an indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s account.
However, after receiving the payment, Okpong allegedly became unreachable, ignored calls, and failed to fulfil the agreement.
The petitioner also alleged that several others had fallen victim to similar scams, including a friend who travelled to China only to discover that the scholarship was fake. Some victims were reportedly stranded abroad or deported after presenting forged travel documents.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.
