JAMB Re-arrests ‘Score Upgrade’ Scammer, Warns Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has re-arrested a suspected fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, for allegedly resuming examination malpractice schemes targeting candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Naija News reports that the JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja, expressing concern over the suspect’s repeated offences even after being granted bail.

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

According to him, the suspect initially operated under the pseudonym “Official Frederick,” using a WhatsApp platform to lure candidates with false promises of score enhancement.

“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, affected candidates were given the opportunity to defend themselves before a special committee.

After the process, their UTME registrations were cancelled with the approval of the Minister of Education.

Oloyede noted that Akataka was subsequently granted bail in line with due process.

However, the registrar said the suspect returned to fraudulent activities shortly after his release.

Adopting a new alias, “Sir Frederick,” Akataka allegedly demanded ₦70,000 from each candidate, claiming he could prevent the cancellation of their registrations.

He reportedly told victims he had “contacts within the Board” to lend credibility to the scheme.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect initially used his father’s bank account to receive payments before opening another account under a false identity, Zainab Rafiu.

He allegedly presented the name as that of a JAMB director to gain the trust of unsuspecting candidates.

Oloyede expressed concern that some candidates who were previously defrauded still fell victim again, describing it as a worrying trend.

He warned that claims of score upgrades or special assistance in examinations are fraudulent and illegal.

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

The registrar reaffirmed the board’s commitment to tackling examination malpractice in collaboration with security agencies.

He cited 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 UTME candidates and expressed regret over his actions.

He attributed his conduct to financial hardship and family pressures, revealing that he made about ₦1.5m from over 100 candidates after his initial release on bail.

“I am ashamed of my actions. Nothing can justify what I did. I sincerely apologise,” he said.

JAMB reiterated that it would continue to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system and ensure that anyone attempting to undermine it is brought to justice.