JAMB re-arrests suspect linked to online scam involving 131 candidates

A member of an examination fraud syndicate, Emmanuel Akataka, has admitted to masterminding a complex online scheme that defrauded more than 131 candidates, despite having previously been arrested and released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Akataka, who was re-arrested by officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), admitted on Thursday during an interview with reporters at the Board’s headquarters in Abuja that he resumed the illegal activity despite earlier pledge to support efforts to curb examination malpractice.

He admitted making over N1.5million from the scheme, although this was contradicted by the JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede who insisted that he made more than N8million defrauding UTME candidates under the guise of inflating their scores in this year’s exercise.

“I am ashamed of everything I did. All I am asking for is one last chance. I will never go back to this act again,” he said.

The suspect, a native of Delta State, blamed his actions on poverty and mounting family pressures, including the ill health of his mother and the death of his father in 2025.

According to him, desperation pushed him back into fraud shortly after regaining freedom.

Investigations revealed that Akataka,who is 26 years of age,operated under multiple aliases and ran a fraudulent online platform known as “Example Master Educational Platform,” where he lured unsuspecting candidates with promises of JAMB “assistance.”

He disclosed that at least 131 candidates fell victim to his scheme this year alone, with payments ranging from N5,000 to N8,000.

“I used AI to create convincing posts and images,” he admitted, explaining how he deployed digital tools, including the Gemini application, to make his operations appear legitimate.

Akataka further revealed that he exploited the desperation of candidates seeking high scores, particularly those aiming for competitive courses such as nursing.

Many victims, he said, approached him directly, urging him to “help” them secure high marks.

JAMB’s Director of Special Duties,Zainab Hamza,who addressed the media on behalf of the Registrar,Prof. Ishaq Oloyede,however, dismissed any justification for his actions, stressing that the board remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling fraud networks.

During the interrogation, she questioned why he returned to crime despite knowing the risks and prior consequences.

The suspect denied having any insider support within JAMB but admitted leveraging social media groups and messaging platforms to expand his reach.

He also confessed to using multiple bank accounts, including those registered under false identities, to receive payments.

Despite his repeated apologies and emotional appeals, JAMB maintained a firm stance, reiterating its commitment to protecting the integrity of its examinations and warning candidates against falling prey to fraudulent schemes.

The Board urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that there is no legitimate means of securing examination success outside hard work and adherence to due process.(Guardian)