JAMB Nabs ‘Score Upgrade’ Fraudster Again, Issues Fresh Warning To Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has re-arrested a suspected fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, for allegedly resuming examination malpractice schemes targeting candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. According to Ireporter Online, the development was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by the JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, who expressed concern over the suspect’s repeated involvement in fraudulent activities despite previously being granted bail.

Represented by the Board’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, the registrar revealed that the suspect had earlier been apprehended for offences including conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud. He reportedly operated under the pseudonym “Official Frederick,” using a WhatsApp platform to lure candidates with false promises of score upgrades, defrauding no fewer than 94 individuals who paid for a non-existent service.

Following investigations, affected candidates were given an opportunity to appear before a special committee, after which their UTME registrations were cancelled with the approval of the Minister of Education. Despite being granted bail in line with due process, the suspect allegedly returned to similar fraudulent activities shortly after his release.

According to the report, Akataka adopted a new alias, “Sir Frederick,” and demanded ₦70,000 from candidates, claiming he could prevent the cancellation of their registrations. He allegedly bolstered his claims by asserting he had connections within the Board. Investigations further indicated that he initially received payments through his father’s bank account before opening another account under a false identity, which he presented as that of a JAMB director to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims.

Oloyede expressed concern that some candidates who had previously fallen victim to the scheme were defrauded again, describing the trend as troubling. He warned that claims of score upgrades or special assistance in examinations are fraudulent and could expose candidates to financial loss and possible criminal prosecution.

The registrar reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to combating examination malpractice in collaboration with security agencies, citing previous convictions, including that of Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for impersonation.

Speaking after the briefing, Akataka admitted to defrauding several candidates and expressed remorse, attributing his actions to financial hardship and family pressure. He disclosed that he made about ₦1.5 million from over 100 candidates after his initial release on bail and offered an apology for his conduct.

JAMB reiterated its resolve to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system and ensure that individuals attempting to undermine it are brought to justice.