The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a fraud syndicate allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Segun Aina, on social media to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The police said one suspect, identified as Nwogba Arinze, had been arrested in Anambra State, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the alleged principal suspect and other members of the syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the investigation followed a petition submitted by the JAMB Registrar on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
According to the statement, the petition received the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, after which operatives of the Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the JAMB National Headquarters commenced an investigation.
The investigation initially took operatives to Nasarawa and Katsina states in an attempt to track those behind the scheme. However, the individuals initially traced to the two states were reportedly found to be victims who had themselves been defrauded by the syndicate.
The police said further investigation revealed that the syndicate created fake social media accounts using the identity of the JAMB Registrar and allegedly used the platforms to deceive members of the public under the guise of providing official services.
Investigators subsequently analysed phone numbers and bank account details allegedly linked to the fraudulent activities, leading them to Anambra State, where Arinze was arrested.
The suspect, according to the police, had allegedly posed as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar.
Further investigation reportedly showed that Arinze, who was arrested on August 27, 2026, allegedly used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
The police said Arinze had been entrusted with the deceased’s account details and debit cards to facilitate funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026.
The Force said it was currently pursuing Nnabuife Nwekpa, identified as a close relative of Arinze and the alleged principal suspect in the scheme.
Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators in efforts to apprehend Nwekpa and establish the involvement of other suspected accomplices.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities and report suspicious transactions or accounts to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
The Force Public Relations Officer said the Inspector-General of Police had reiterated the commitment of the police to combating cyber-enabled crime and protecting the public from fraudulent activities.
