The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a fraud syndicate allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, with one suspect arrested in Anambra State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying efforts were ongoing to apprehend Nnabuife Nwekpa, identified as the alleged principal suspect.
The investigation followed a petition submitted by Aina on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
Following approval by the Inspector-General of Police, operatives attached to the Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit at JAMB headquarters launched an investigation that initially extended to Nasarawa and Katsina states.
Police later discovered that some of the individuals traced in those states were actually victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate while the suspects impersonated the JAMB registrar.
Investigators found that the syndicate allegedly created fake social media accounts using Aina’s identity to defraud members of the public under the guise of providing official services.
Further analysis of phone numbers and bank account details linked to the alleged fraud led investigators to Anambra State, where Nwogba Arinze was arrested for allegedly posing as the registrar’s personal assistant.
Police said Arinze was taken into custody on August 27 and allegedly used the bank account and debit cards of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
According to the police, Arinze had been entrusted with the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements held on July 31.
The Force said Arinze remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to apprehend Nwekpa and other suspected accomplices.
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities through official channels.
The Force also warned Nigerians to verify claims from individuals who present themselves as representatives of JAMB or other government institutions before making payments or sharing personal information.
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