One arrested as police burst JAMB fraud syndicate

 

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National headquarters have uncovered a fraud syndicate, arresting one suspect while efforts remain underway to apprehend the principal culprit.

The operation originated from a petition submitted on August 10 by the registrar of JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud.

According to the spokesperson of the force, CSP Ani Iniedu, operatives launched an immediate investigation that extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States to track down those involved. He said individuals initially tracked in those states were discovered to be victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate while the criminals impersonated the Registrar.

Iniedu stated that 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.

‘’Through intelligence gathering, operatives analyzed the phone numbers and bank account details used in the scheme. The track led to Anambra State, where police arrested Nwogba Arinze, who had been posing as the Personal Assistant to the Registrar.

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. 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.”

He added that the police are currently pursuing the fleeing principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze. Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators to assist in apprehending Nwekpa and any other accomplices.