The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has uncovered an alleged fraud syndicate accused of impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Segun Aina, to defraud members of the public.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying one suspect, Nwogba Arinze, had been arrested while efforts were underway to apprehend Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom the police identified as the principal suspect.
Iniedu said the investigation began after Aina submitted a petition on August 10, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
The NPF’s Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit attached to the JAMB headquarters subsequently commenced an investigation after Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu approved the probe.
According to the police, the investigation initially extended to Nasarawa and Katsina states as operatives attempted to identify and track members of the syndicate.
However, those initially traced in the two states were later discovered to be victims who had been defrauded by the group while the criminals allegedly used the JAMB registrar’s identity.
The police said the syndicate created fake social media accounts using Aina’s identity and used them to deceive members of the public by pretending to offer official JAMB-related services.
Iniedu said investigators analysed the phone numbers and bank account details connected to the fraudulent activities, leading them to Anambra State.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Arinze, who allegedly presented himself as the registrar’s personal assistant.
Further investigation reportedly showed that Arinze, who was arrested on August 27, 2026, used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, in an attempt to conceal his identity and avoid detection.
The police said Arinze had been given access to the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements carried out on July 31, 2026.
The Force spokesperson said Arinze is currently cooperating with investigators as the police work to arrest Nwekpa and identify other suspected members of the syndicate.
The NPF urged members of the public to remain cautious when dealing with individuals claiming to represent government agencies through unofficial social media accounts or private financial channels.
Source: Nigeria Police Force
