How Police Squashed Fake JAMB Registrar Impersonation Syndicate
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a syndicate impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), arresting one suspect while intensifying efforts to apprehend the alleged mastermind and other accomplices.
According to the Firce on Wednesday, the breakthrough followed a petition filed on August 10, 2026, by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud. Following approval by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, operatives attached to the JAMB National Headquarters commenced an investigation which initially led them to Nasarawa and Katsina states.
Police said those initially traced in the two states were found to be victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate, which allegedly operated fake social media accounts in the Registrar’s name to deceive members of the public under the guise of providing official JAMB services.
Further analysis of phone numbers and bank accounts linked to the fraud led investigators to Anambra State, where they arrested Nwogba Arinze, who allegedly posed as the Registrar’s Personal Assistant. Arinze was arrested on August 27, 2026.
Investigators subsequently discovered that the suspect allegedly used the bank account and debit cards of his late nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection. Police said Arinze had been entrusted with the deceased’s banking details to assist with funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026.
The Force said it is currently pursuing the alleged principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze. The suspect remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of Nwekpa and other members of the syndicate. The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
