Police Bust JAMB Fraud Syndicate, Arrest Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a syndicate allegedly involved in impersonation, identity theft and fraud targeting members of the public through fake platforms linked to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The investigation followed a petition submitted by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.

Following approval by the Inspector-General of Police, operatives attached to the JAMB National Headquarters launched an investigation into the alleged syndicate. The probe extended to Nasarawa and Katsina states as investigators worked to identify those behind the operation.

Police said individuals initially traced in the two states were discovered to be victims who had themselves been defrauded by members of the syndicate impersonating the JAMB Registrar.

Investigators subsequently traced telephone numbers and bank accounts allegedly used in the fraudulent activities to Anambra State, where they arrested Nwogba Arinze, who allegedly posed as the personal assistant to the JAMB Registrar.

Arinze was taken into custody on August 27, 2026. Police said further investigation revealed that he allegedly used the bank account and debit cards belonging to his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, in an attempt to conceal his identity and avoid detection.

The police said the syndicate allegedly created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s name and identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of providing official JAMB-related services.

Investigators are still searching for Nnabuife Nwekpa, identified as the alleged principal suspect and a close relative of Arinze, as well as other suspected accomplices.

Police said Arinze remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.

The Force advised members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent JAMB or other government institutions online.

It urged Nigerians to verify official communications and report suspicious activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to combating fraud, impersonation and other forms of cyber-enabled criminality while protecting the integrity of public institutions.