The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended an alleged serial fraudster and school owner, Mrs. Imaobong Okpong, in Akwa Ibom State over a scheme involving fake foreign scholarships and Canadian visa applications. The arrest was carried out by the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate.
The central allegation revolves around Mrs. Okpong, a school owner, who reportedly used her position to lure victims with false promises of overseas educational opportunities.
Dr. Blessing Bassey, a clinician, claims she was defrauded of N3 million by Mrs Okpong. The money was allegedly transferred for the purpose of securing university admission and Canadian visas for the clinician and her husband.
Dr. Bassey stated that she insisted the suspect sign an indemnity agreement, which was notarized, before she transferred the funds. However, the suspect allegedly became unreachable after receiving the payment.
The complainant Dr. Blessing Bassey, reported that the suspect’s alleged schemes have caused other victims to be stranded overseas or face deportation due to the use of fraudulent documents.
Some of her (Okpong’s) victims had travelled abroad with fake documents that left many of them stranded overseas, while some others faced deportation with huge financial losses
The EFCC has confirmed the suspect will be formally charged in court upon completion of the final investigative steps, where she will face formal charges and have the opportunity to present a defense against the serious allegations of fraud and forgery.
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