Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a fraud syndicate that allegedly impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Segun Aina, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, arresting one suspect while intensifying efforts to apprehend the alleged mastermind. The operation, carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the JAMB National Headquarters, followed a petition submitted on August 10, 2026, by Professor Aina himself, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud. The petition was approved for investigation by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, setting in motion a trail that would stretch from Nasarawa and Katsina states to Anambra State and ultimately lead to the discovery of a callous scheme built on the exploitation of a dead man's identity.
The investigation initially took operatives to Nasarawa and Katsina states, where persons suspected to be connected to the scheme were traced. However, the police discovered that the individuals tracked in those states were themselves victims of the fraud, having allegedly been deceived by criminals impersonating the JAMB Registrar. The syndicate had created fake social media accounts using Professor Aina's identity, using them to deceive members of the public under the guise of providing official JAMB-related services. The fraudsters promised job opportunities, admissions, and other services that never materialised, collecting payments from victims who believed they were dealing with the highest authority in Nigeria's tertiary admissions system.
As the investigation progressed, operatives analysed telephone numbers and bank account details used by the fraudsters. The intelligence gathered eventually led them to Anambra State, where they arrested Nwogba Arinze, who had been posing as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar. Arinze was taken into custody on August 27, 2026. Further investigation revealed a disturbing dimension to the fraud: the suspect had allegedly used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection. The police said Arinze had been entrusted with his late nephew's account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements, which were held on July 31, 2026. Rather than honouring that trust, he allegedly exploited the account to receive proceeds from the fraudulent scheme, believing that the use of a dead man's details would insulate him from suspicion.
The police have identified Nnabuife Nwekpa, described as a close relative of Arinze, as the principal suspect in the fraud operation. Nwekpa is currently at large, and efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him. Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators as the Force works to apprehend Nwekpa and identify any other persons allegedly involved in the syndicate. The case has highlighted the growing sophistication of online fraudsters who exploit the identities of public officials and institutions to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims. The police have urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent government agencies or public officials online, particularly where such persons request money or personal and banking information. The Force also advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre. The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cybercrime, fraud, impersonation, and other criminal activities, while maintaining public trust and integrity across the country. As the manhunt for Nwekpa continues, the case serves as a stark reminder that the digital space has become a hunting ground for criminals who prey on the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians seeking opportunities for themselves and their children.
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