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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect, Nwogba Arinze, over his alleged role in a fraud syndicate targeting the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), after operatives discovered he used his deceased nephew’s bank account to conceal his identity and evade detection.
In a Wednesday statement, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu said operatives of the Police Intelligence, Operations, and Investigation Unit attached to JAMB National Headquarters uncovered the syndicate and arrested Arinze in Anambra State on August 27.
According to the police, the investigation began following a petition submitted on August 10 by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud.
With the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, operatives launched an investigation that extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States.
The police said individuals tracked in those states were later found to be victims who had been defrauded after the syndicate impersonated the Registrar.
The police further said the syndicate created fake social media accounts using the Registrar’s identity to defraud unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of providing official JAMB services.
Further investigation revealed that Arinze, who had been posing as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar, used the bank account of his deceased nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict, to conceal his identity and evade detection.
Police said Arinze had been entrusted with the late nephew’s account details and debit cards to assist with funeral arrangements done on July 31, 2026.
The force said it is currently pursuing the fleeing principal suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, described as a close relative of Arinze.
“Arinze remains in police custody and is cooperating with investigators to assist in apprehending Nwekpa and any other accomplices,” Iniedu stated.
The Nigeria Police Force advised the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities immediately to the NPF National CyberCrime Center (NPF-NCCC).
IGP Disu reiterated the force’s commitment to combating crime and upholding public integrity across the nation.
