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 involved in impersonation, identity theft and fraudulent activities targeting members of the public.
The operation followed a petition submitted by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
Following approval from the Inspector-General of Police, operatives commenced an investigation which extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States in an effort to identify and apprehend members of the syndicate.
However, individuals initially traced in the two states were found to be victims who had allegedly been defrauded after the suspects impersonated the JAMB Registrar.
According to the police, 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 JAMB-related services.
Through intelligence gathering and analysis of telephone numbers and bank account details allegedly used in the fraudulent activities, investigators traced the operation to Anambra State.
The investigation led to the arrest of Nwogba Arinze, who allegedly posed as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar.
Arinze was taken into police custody on August 27, 2026, following his arrest in connection with the alleged fraud scheme.
Further investigation, the police said, revealed that the suspect allegedly 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 conducted on July 31, 2026.
The Force said investigators have also identified Nnabuife Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze, as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.
Nwekpa is currently at large, with police operatives continuing efforts to apprehend him and determine the involvement of other possible accomplices.
Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators as efforts intensify to track down Nwekpa and unravel the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s activities.
The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant when dealing with individuals claiming to represent JAMB officials, particularly through social media platforms, and to promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating criminal activities, protecting members of the public from fraud and safeguarding public integrity across the country.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on September 9, 2026.
