The JAMB re-arrests UTME scam suspect development has brought renewed attention to examination fraud in Nigeria, as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board confirmed the re-arrest of a suspect linked to an online scam involving 131 candidates.
The board said the suspect had earlier been apprehended but returned to fraudulent activities after being granted bail.
Examination fraud remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s education system, particularly around the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Digital platforms and social media channels have created new avenues for fraudulent actors to target candidates seeking unfair advantages.
The JAMB re-arrests UTME scam suspect case highlights the growing sophistication of such schemes, including impersonation, identity theft, and false promises of score manipulation.
Authorities have continued to warn candidates and parents about the risks associated with engaging in such illegal services.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Praise Akataka, was linked to a network that defrauded 131 prospective candidates of about N1.5 million through fraudulent online schemes.
According to officials, he operated under a false identity, “Official Frederick,” using a WhatsApp platform to advertise services such as score upgrades and admission assistance.
At least 94 candidates were initially deceived into making payments for the non-existent services.
After his earlier arrest, the suspect was granted bail but later resumed contact with victims using another alias, “Sir Frederick.” He allegedly demanded N70,000 from candidates, claiming he could prevent cancellation of their registrations.
Investigations further revealed that he used multiple bank accounts, including one belonging to his father, before opening another account under a false identity to continue the operation.
Officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board reiterated that no individual or group has the authority to influence examination results. “Any claim of score enhancement or examination assistance is fraudulent,” the board stated.
The board added that affected candidates were given an opportunity to appear before a committee to determine their involvement, with approvals secured for cancellation of compromised registrations.
The JAMB re-arrests UTME scam suspect case underscores the risks faced by candidates navigating Nigeria’s competitive admission process.
For students and families, the incident highlights the financial and academic consequences of engaging with fraudulent schemes.
For education authorities, the case reinforces the need for continuous monitoring, digital security improvements, and public awareness campaigns.
Examination bodies are increasingly collaborating with security agencies to track and prosecute offenders involved in cyber-enabled fraud.
The development also signals stricter enforcement, as JAMB confirmed that several offenders have already been convicted for examination-related crimes in recent years.
