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Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit, attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National Headquarters, have thwarted a syndicate allegedly impersonating the board’s Registrar and arrested one suspect.
The investigation followed a petition JAMB Registrar Professor Segun Aina submitted on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, approved the investigation, which led operatives to Nasarawa and Katsina States to search for individuals linked to the alleged fraud.
The police said those initially traced in the two states were later found to be victims who had themselves been defrauded by individuals impersonating the JAMB Registrar.
Investigators subsequently discovered that the syndicate had created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to deceive members of the public under the guise of offering official JAMB-related services.
The police said operatives analysed telephone numbers and bank account details allegedly used in the scheme, leading them to Anambra State, where they arrested Nwogba Arinze.
Arinze was arrested on August 27 and was allegedly posing as the Registrar’s personal assistant, according to the police.
Further investigation reportedly showed that the suspect used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
The Force spokesperson said Arinze had been entrusted with his late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026.
Iniedu said investigators were still pursuing Nnabuife Nwekpa, identified as Arinze’s close relative and the alleged principal suspect in the fraud scheme.
“Police are currently pursuing the fleeing principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze,” Iniedu added.
Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators to help arrest Nwekpa and other suspected accomplices.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
The Force also advised the public to be cautious of social media accounts or individuals claiming to represent JAMB officials, particularly when such interactions involve requests for money or personal information.
The investigation follows growing concerns over online impersonation and fraud, in which criminals use the identities of public officials and institutions to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating crime and protecting public integrity nationwide.
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CRACKS DOWN ON JAMB FRAUD SYNDICATE, TRACES ACTIVITIES TO LATE NEPHEW
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations, and Investigation Unit attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National Headquarters have… pic.twitter.com/k9Uw82up9J
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) September 9, 2026
