Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National Headquarters have uncovered a fraud syndicate allegedly impersonating the Board’s Registrar to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The police arrested one suspect, Nwogba Arinze, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa.
The investigation followed a petition dated 10 August 2026 by JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
According to a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, the investigation initially took operatives to Nasarawa and Katsina states, where persons linked to the scheme were traced but later found to be victims who had themselves been defrauded by the syndicate.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to deceive members of the public under the guise of offering official JAMB services.
Police intelligence analysis of the phone numbers and bank accounts allegedly used in the fraud eventually led investigators to Anambra State, where Arinze was arrested for allegedly posing as the Registrar’s Personal Assistant.
The suspect was arrested on 27 August 2026, and investigators discovered that he allegedly used the bank account and debit cards of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
Police said Arinze had been entrusted with the deceased’s account details and debit cards to facilitate funeral arrangements held on 31 July 2026.
The alleged principal suspect, Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze, is currently at large, with police operatives intensifying efforts to arrest him and identify other accomplices.
The police said Arinze remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators in efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect and unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s activities.
The Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to combating crime and protecting public integrity across the country.
