- Safiu Kehinde
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations, and Investigation Unit attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National Headquarters have arrested one suspect allegedly linked to a fraud syndicate impersonating JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina.
The operation originated from a petition submitted on 10th August, 2026, by Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
According to Iniedu, the investigation over the petition led the officials to Nasarawa and Katsina states where the police discovered the vicitms of the syndicate.
“Following approval of the Inspector-General of police, Police, operatives launched an immediate investigation that extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States to track down those involved.
However, individuals initially tracked in those states were discovered to be victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate while the criminals impersonated the Registrar.
“Investigators revealed that the syndicate created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to defraud unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of providing official services.” Iniedu wrotr.
Meanwwhile, through intelligence gathering, operatives analyzed the phone numbers and bank account details used in the scheme.
The track led to Anambra State, where police arrested Nwogba Arinze, who had been posing as the Personal Assistant to the Registrar.
Further investigation revealed that Arinze, taken into custody on 27th August, 2026, used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
The suspect had been entrusted with the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements done on 31st July, 2026.
Police are currently pursuing the fleeing principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, a close relative of Arinze. Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators to assist in apprehending Nwekpa and any other accomplices.
The police urged the general public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities immediately to the Nigeria Police Force National CyberCrime Center (NPF-NCCC).