EFCC Arrests School Proprietor in Uyo Over Alleged Visa and Foreign Scholarship Fraud

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Directorate have arrested Mrs Imaobong Cyril Okpong in connection with alleged serial fraud involving visa-schemes and fake foreign scholarship offers. 

According to a statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Mrs Okpong, who is reportedly the proprietor of Michael Udonquak Schools in Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, was arrested after a petition from Dr (Mrs) Blessing Nse Bassey. Dr Bassey alleged that Mrs Okpong defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian study visas for her and her husband. 

Dr Bassey stated that initial contact occurred around February 2024, when she was offered the opportunity of a fully-funded foreign scholarship and visa. She did not make payment until Mrs Okpong signed a notarised indemnity agreement. Upon paying the agreed sum into a FirstBank account, Mrs Okpong allegedly became unreachable and ceased communication. 

Further investigation indicates that other victims were similarly targeted—some reportedly travelled abroad using forged documents only to find there was no scholarship, become stranded or face deportation, while incurring huge financial losses. 

The EFCC confirms that Mrs Okpong is currently in custody and will be charged to court once its investigations are concluded.