Police bust JAMB fraud syndicate, arrest suspect

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board National Headquarters have uncovered a JAMB fraud syndicate.

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During the operation, police arrested one suspect while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged principal culprit.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

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According to the statement, the operation followed a petition submitted on August 10, 2026, by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.

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“Following approval of the Inspector-General of police, Police, operatives launched an immediate investigation that extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States to track down those involved,” the statement read.

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“However, individuals initially tracked in those states were discovered to be victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate while the criminals impersonated the Registrar.

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“Investigators revealed that the syndicate created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to defraud unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of providing official services,” it added.

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The police said intelligence gathered from phone numbers and bank account details used in the alleged scheme led investigators to Anambra State, where they arrested Nwogba Arinze, who allegedly posed as the Registrar’s personal assistant.

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“Further investigation revealed that Arinze, taken into custody on 27th August, 2026, used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.

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“The suspect had been entrusted with the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements done on 31st July, 2026,” the statement said.

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The police said they were still pursuing the alleged principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, who it described as a close relative of Arinze.

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“Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators to assist in apprehending Nwekpa and any other accomplices,” the statement said.

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The Force advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating crime and upholding public integrity across the country.

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