The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed the rearrest of Emmanuel Akataka, a 26-year-old suspect, for defrauding candidates during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. The suspect is said to have deceived at least 94 candidates through fraudulent schemes.
Speaking on Thursday at JAMB headquarters in Abuja, Registrar Ishaq Oloyede explained that Akataka is a key member of a criminal syndicate involved in conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, online fraud, and other offences targeting UTME candidates. Represented by Zainab Hamza, JAMB’s Director of Special Duties, Oloyede revealed that Akataka had previously been arrested for operating under a fictitious identity, “Official Frederick,” through which he ran a WhatsApp platform offering fake services such as score inflation.
“Through this scheme, he deceived no fewer than 94 candidates into soliciting score enhancement by paying for this illegal and non-existent service,” Oloyede said. Following investigations, the affected candidates were given a fair hearing, and the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, approved the cancellation of their registrations. Akataka, however, had been granted bail in line with due process.
After his release, the suspect re-engaged with the same candidates under the alias “Sir Frederick,” demanding N70,000 from each and falsely claiming he could prevent the cancellation of their registrations. Investigations revealed that he initially used his father’s bank account to collect payments before opening another account under a false identity to lend credibility to his scheme.
“This troubling pattern raises serious concerns about the growing willingness among some candidates to pursue unlawful advantage,” Oloyede said. He reiterated that no individual or group can influence UTME results, facilitate special assistance, or manipulate candidate registration under any circumstances. He warned that engaging with such schemes exposes candidates to financial loss and legal consequences.
Oloyede highlighted that JAMB has secured convictions of more than six offenders, including Ibrahim Abdulaziz, sentenced to three years in prison without an option of fine for impersonation. He stressed that the integrity of the national examination system remains non-negotiable.
During the briefing, Akataka admitted his involvement, citing financial hardship and family pressure, particularly his mother’s ill health, as reasons for returning to the illegal activity. He claimed to have earned about N1.5 million from the scheme, insisting that “all services offered were fake.”
JAMB has reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with security agencies, to pursue and prosecute all individuals involved in examination fraud, urging candidates and parents to rely solely on legitimate processes.
