By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a fraud syndicate allegedly targeting members of the public through the impersonation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), arresting one suspect while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged principal culprit.
The operation followed a petition submitted 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 of the Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the JAMB National Headquarters commenced an investigation which extended to Nasarawa and Katsina states.
The Police said individuals initially traced in the two states were discovered to be victims of the fraud syndicate, having allegedly been defrauded by criminals who impersonated the JAMB Registrar while offering purported official services.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, investigators uncovered that the syndicate created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public. Intelligence analysis of the telephone numbers and bank account details allegedly used in the scheme eventually led investigators to Anambra State, where one Nwogba Arinze was arrested.
Arinze, who was arrested on August 27, 2026, allegedly posed as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar. Further investigation reportedly revealed that he used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, in an attempt to conceal his identity and evade detection.
The Police said Arinze had been entrusted with the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026. Investigators are currently pursuing another suspect, identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, said to be a close relative of Arinze and the alleged principal suspect in the fraud operation.
The Police said Arinze remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of Nwekpa and other possible accomplices.
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, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to combating cyber-enabled fraud, protecting members of the public and upholding integrity across the country.
