Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sounded a new warning about renewed examination fraud, revealing the re-arrest of a suspected syndicate operator for allegedly deceiving candidates with false offers of score upgrades and registration safeguard schemes.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Bwari headquarters in Abuja on Thursday after the incident, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the suspect, earlier arrested and released on bail for offences such as impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud, returned to the same illegal scheme targeting unsuspecting UTME candidates with tactics.
Working under the aliases “Official Frederick” and later “Sir Frederick”, the suspect allegedly persuaded no fewer than 94 candidates to pay for nonexistent services, including higher scores and protection against registration cancellation.
Oloyede, who was represented by JAMB’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, explained that after his arrest, affected candidates were granted a fair hearing which led to the cancellation of their registrations with ministerial approval.
Surprisingly, investigations revealed that after release, the suspect contacted the same victims again, demanding N70,000 each under the false claim that he could influence JAMB decisions and overturn their sanctions.
To avoid detection, the suspect allegedly operated several bank accounts, including one connected to his father and another deceitfully opened under the name Zainab Rafiu, whom he falsely introduced as a JAMB director to gain trust.
JAMB characterised the development as deeply troubling, noting that some candidates still fall victim to fraudulent schemes in pursuit of unlawful advantages despite repeated public warnings.
“The integrity of our examination system is non-negotiable,” the board declared, stressing that no individual or group can manipulate UTME scores or offer special assistance under any circumstance.
The board warned that candidates who deal with such syndicates face not only financial loss but also serious legal consequences, emphasising that these actions amount to criminal offences.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance, JAMB stated that it has recorded several convictions in recent years, including a three-year prison sentence given to one Ibrahim Abdulaziz for impersonation during the 2025 UTME.
The board assured that in collaboration with security agencies it will strengthen efforts to track, arrest and prosecute every perpetrator of examination fraud, urging candidates and parents to strictly follow approved registration procedures.
As the crackdown intensifies, JAMB’s latest disclosure highlights a growing problem in Nigeria’s education sector where desperation for success continues to drive a dangerous cycle of fraud, exploitation and legal risk.
