Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, a suspected serial fraudster accused of orchestrating multiple visa and fake foreign scholarship scams.
Okpong, who reportedly owns Michael Udonquak Schools in Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, was apprehended following a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, a medical practitioner. Bassey alleged that the suspect defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian study visas for her and her husband.
According to the petitioner, Okpong approached her in February 2024 with what appeared to be a credible offer of a foreign scholarship. Bassey said she initially declined to make any payment until the suspect signed an indemnity agreement, which was duly notarized. Only then did she transfer ₦3 million to Okpong’s First Bank account.
However, shortly after receiving the funds, the suspect allegedly cut off all communication, ignored phone calls, and failed to fulfill her promises.
Dr. Bassey further revealed that Okpong had allegedly defrauded several other victims through similar schemes. “One of my friends she duped ended up stranded in China after discovering the scholarship didn’t exist,” Bassey recounted. “Some victims even travelled abroad on fake documents, leaving them stranded or deported, with devastating financial losses.”
EFCC investigators say Okpong’s alleged operations may have extended beyond Akwa Ibom, targeting unsuspecting individuals seeking educational or migration opportunities.
The Commission confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court once ongoing investigations are concluded.
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