Police Trace JAMB Impersonation Scheme to Anambra, Arrest Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged fraud operation built around the identity of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Segun Aina, with investigators arresting a suspect in Anambra State.

The investigation began after Aina petitioned the police on August 10 over suspected criminal activity involving his identity. The complaint prompted an investigation by police personnel attached to JAMB’s national headquarters.

Investigators initially followed leads to Nasarawa and Katsina states. According to the police, however, some of the people identified during that stage turned out to be victims who had themselves been deceived by individuals claiming to represent the JAMB registrar.

The investigation subsequently shifted towards Anambra after police analysed information connected to telephone lines and bank accounts allegedly used in the operation.

That trail led to Nwogba Arinze, who was arrested and accused of presenting himself as an aide to the JAMB registrar.

Police said the suspect was taken into custody on August 27. Investigators also alleged that he relied on the bank account and debit cards of his late nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, in an attempt to keep his identity away from the financial trail.

According to the police account, Arinze had access to the deceased man’s banking details because he had been entrusted with them for funeral-related arrangements.

The investigation has not ended with the arrest.

Police are still searching for Nnabuife Nwekpa, described as a close relative of Arinze and the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

The arrested man remains in custody and is assisting investigators, according to the police.

The case highlights how impersonation can move beyond fake social media profiles and become a wider financial scheme. By using the name and identity of a senior official of an institution such as JAMB, fraudsters can potentially create an appearance of authority that may persuade members of the public to part with money.

Police have urged Nigerians to be cautious about unsolicited online approaches involving government officials and to report suspicious activity to the National Cybercrime Centre.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspects have not been tested in court.