The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 32-year-old man, Nwogba Arinze, for allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, in a scheme to defraud members of the public.
Arinze was arrested on August 27, 2026, following a petition filed by the JAMB Registrar alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
According to the police, the suspect and his accomplices allegedly created fake WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn accounts using the Registrar’s name, photograph and official position.
The syndicate allegedly used the fake identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported government and JAMB contract opportunities.
Police said some victims were asked to pay between N900,000 and N3 million as processing fees or alleged bribes to influence officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Investigators traced telephone numbers and bank accounts allegedly linked to the operation to Anambra State, where Arinze was arrested.
The police also said they recovered a bank card belonging to Arinze’s late nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, which was allegedly used in connection with the fraudulent activities.
The Force said it is still searching for Nnabuife Nwekpa, identified as the alleged principal suspect and a close relative of Arinze.
The arrested suspect is reportedly cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate.
The police have urged members of the public to be cautious when dealing with individuals claiming to represent JAMB or other government institutions online and to report suspicious activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
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