Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the National Headquarters of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have uncovered a fraud syndicate allegedly impersonating the board’s Registrar, Professor Segun Aina.
The operation, which led to the arrest of one suspect, followed a petition submitted by the JAMB Registrar on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
The police said the investigation was launched following the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States in an effort to track the suspects.
According to the Force, persons initially traced in the two states were found to be victims of the fraud, having been defrauded by members of the syndicate who allegedly impersonated the JAMB Registrar.
Investigators subsequently discovered that the syndicate had 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 and analysis of telephone numbers and bank account details allegedly used in the operation, investigators traced the syndicate to Anambra State.
The police said operatives subsequently arrested Nwogba Arinze, who allegedly posed as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar.
Arinze was taken into custody on August 27, 2026.
Further investigation, the police said, revealed that the suspect allegedly used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
According to the Force, Arinze had been entrusted with his late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026.
The police identified Nnabuife Nwekpa, described as a close relative of Arinze, as the principal suspect allegedly still at large.
The Force said efforts were ongoing to apprehend Nwekpa and identify other persons who may have participated in the alleged fraud.
Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators, according to the police.
The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Force to combating crime and protecting public integrity across the country.
