JAMB re-arrests UTME fraud suspect Akataka

JAMB UTME fraud suspect Akataka re-arrested after allegedly defrauding candidates with fake score upgrade schemes

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has re-arrested a suspected fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, for allegedly resuming the exploitation of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Also read: JAMB remits N1.57bn to CBT centres for 2026 UTME registration

The Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed the development in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during a media briefing, warning candidates against engaging with fraudulent schemes promising score enhancements.

Represented by the Board’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, Oloyede said the JAMB UTME fraud suspect Akataka had earlier been arrested for offences including conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and online fraud.

According to him, the suspect initially operated under the alias “Official Frederick,” using a WhatsApp platform to lure candidates with false promises of improving their examination scores.

“Through this scheme, he deceived at least 94 candidates into paying for a non-existent service claiming to improve their examination scores,” Oloyede said.

Following investigations, the affected candidates were given an opportunity to defend themselves before a special committee, after which their registrations were cancelled with the approval of the Minister of Education. Akataka was subsequently granted bail.

However, JAMB said the suspect resumed his activities shortly after release, adopting a new identity, “Sir Frederick,” and allegedly demanding N70,000 from candidates under the false claim that he could prevent the cancellation of their results.

Investigations further revealed that he initially used his father’s bank account to receive payments before opening another account under a false identity, posing as a senior JAMB official to gain credibility.

Oloyede expressed concern that some candidates who were previously defrauded fell victim again, describing it as a troubling pattern driven by the desire for unlawful advantage.

“Engagement with such schemes exposes candidates to financial loss and potential criminal prosecution,” he warned.

The board reiterated that all claims of score manipulation or special assistance are fraudulent and violate examination regulations.

The JAMB UTME fraud suspect Akataka reportedly admitted to the offences during questioning, expressing remorse and attributing his actions to financial difficulties and family pressure.

“I am ashamed of my actions. Nothing can justify what I did. I sincerely apologise,” he said, adding that he had earned about N1.5 million from over 100 candidates after his initial release.

JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system, noting that it would continue to work with security agencies to prosecute offenders.

Also read: JAMB warns candidates over examination fraud crackdown

The board also cited previous convictions, including that of Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for examination-related offences.

Quadri Olaitan