The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged impersonation scam in which fraudsters used the identity of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, to defraud members of the public.
The Force said one suspect, Nwogba Arinze, has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect, Nnabuife Nwekpa, who has been identified as the principal suspect.
According to the police, the investigation began after a petition submitted by the JAMB Registrar on August 10, 2026, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the petition received the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, after which operatives attached to the Force Intelligence, Operations and Investigation Unit at the JAMB National Headquarters commenced investigation.
It said the investigation initially took the operatives to Nasarawa and Katsina States in their bid to establish the identities and locations of persons connected with the alleged scheme.
But the police said those initially traced in the two states were not members of the suspected network.
But, investigators reportedly discovered that the individuals were themselves victims who had allegedly been defrauded after persons behind the operation used the identity of the JAMB Registrar.
According to the police, investigators subsequently established that fake social-media accounts had been created in the Registrar’s name and allegedly used to communicate with members of the public under the guise of offering official services.
The investigation then shifted to the financial and communication channels allegedly linked to the operation.
The police said intelligence gathering and analysis of telephone numbers and bank account details used in the suspected transactions eventually led investigators to Anambra State.
It was there that Arinze was arrested.
The suspect was taken into custody on August 27, 2026, after investigators allegedly established that he had been presenting himself as the Personal Assistant to the JAMB Registrar.
Police investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the use of a bank account belonging to Arinze’s late nephew, Edeh Chimezie Benedict.
The Force said Arinze had access to the deceased’s account details and debit cards, which had reportedly been entrusted to him in connection with funeral arrangements held on July 31, 2026.
According to the police, investigators believe the account was used in a manner that allegedly helped conceal the identity of the person operating the suspected fraud scheme.
While Arinze remains in police custody, the Force said its operatives were intensifying efforts to locate Nwekpa and determine whether other persons were involved.
The police said Arinze was cooperating with investigators as the probe continued.
The investigation highlights the growing challenge posed by online impersonation, particularly where the identities of public officials and government institutions are allegedly used to lend credibility to fraudulent approaches targeting members of the public.
The Force urged Nigerians to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited online approaches, particularly requests purportedly coming from government officials or institutions.
It also advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious online activities to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, according to the statement, reiterated the commitment of the Force to combating crime and protecting public integrity across the country.
The police said the investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend the principal suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged JAMB impersonation and fraud operation.
