From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine, an Onitsha-based Computer Based Test (CBT) operator has been convicted of registration infractions, concealment, breach of trust and theft, in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration exercise.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the spokesman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a statement, on Sunday, indicated that Mr. Ezechinoso, was convicted by a Grade One Area Court sitting at Aco Estate, Abuja, after he was found guilty of the offences as charged.
He said Mr. Ezechinoso, a CBT Operator had collected a customised and sensitive UTME registration materials from the Anambra State office of JAMB to enable him kick-start and activate the process of UTME registration, but instead concealed them with intention to defraud the Board.
Presiding Judge, Aliyu Ibrahim Kagarko, however, after the trial, found him guilty in the four counts, citing criminal breach of trust, which attracted nine-month imprisonment or N30,000 fine; attempted cheating which attracts a six-month imprisonment or N20,000 fine.
Ezechinoso was also found guilty of intent to conceal which attracted three-month imprisonment term or N10,000 fine; while the fourth count charge, which was theft attracted eight months or an option of N30,000 fine.
The defendant counsel, Barrister Pere Adge, however, pleaded that the accused who might had been prompted by the prevailing economic circumstances to commit the infractions without intent to cause damage or harm, and being a first-time offender, be shown mercy.
Meanwhile, JAMB welcomed the judgement and warned would-be infractors to desist from their nefarious agenda or face the full wrath of the law. The Board added that it has acquired sophisticated technological devices that enable real-time detection of infractions.