JAMB Re-Arrests Suspected Fraudster Over Fresh UTME Registration Scam

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the re-arrest of a suspected examination fraudster, Emmanuel Praise Akataka, over renewed attempts to defraud candidates in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process.

Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, revealing that the suspect resumed fraudulent activities shortly after being granted bail for earlier offences linked to examination malpractice.

According to Oloyede, Akataka had previously been apprehended for his involvement in a syndicate engaged in impersonation, identity theft, and online scams targeting UTME candidates. He allegedly operated under the alias “Official Frederick,” using a WhatsApp platform to lure candidates with false promises of score manipulation.

Investigations by the Board showed that at least 94 candidates were deceived into paying for what JAMB described as “illegal and non-existent services.”

The registrar further revealed that after his release, the suspect allegedly reconnected with the same victims, this time adopting the pseudonym “Sir Frederick.” He reportedly demanded ₦70,000 from each candidate under the false claim that he could prevent the cancellation of their registrations through insider connections within the Board.

Oloyede said the suspect initially used his father’s bank account to collect payments before opening another account under a false identity, “Zainab Rafiu,” whom he falsely presented as a JAMB director to lend credibility to the scheme.

JAMB described the development as alarming, noting that several victims fell for the scam a second time despite prior exposure. The Board warned that such incidents highlight a growing tendency among some candidates to seek unlawful advantage rather than adhere to due process.

“The conduct is not only criminal but further exposes the deceptive and exploitative nature of such syndicates,” the Board stated.

The examination body reiterated that no individual or group has the capacity to influence UTME scores or provide any form of “special assistance,” warning that such claims are fraudulent and punishable under Nigerian law.

JAMB also cautioned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters, stressing that those who patronise such schemes risk financial loss and possible prosecution.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to track down and prosecute offenders involved in examination malpractice. It added that more than six individuals have been successfully convicted since 2025.

Among them is Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice Hussaini Dada Garba for impersonation.

Re-emphasising its stance, JAMB maintained that the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system remains non-negotiable and pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard it.