JAMB Re-arrests Suspect in Major Online Exam Fraud Scam Involving 131 Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has re-arrested Emmanuel Akataka, a key member of an examination fraud syndicate, for orchestrating a sophisticated online scheme that defrauded more than 131 candidates. Akataka, who had previously been arrested and released by JAMB, confessed to resuming his illegal activities despite earlier promises to support efforts to curb examination malpractice.
Confession and Financial Discrepancies
During an interview with reporters at JAMB's headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Akataka admitted to masterminding the fraud, though he claimed to have made over N1.5 million from the scheme. However, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede contradicted this, insisting that Akataka actually defrauded UTME candidates of more than N8 million by falsely promising to inflate their scores in this year's examination.
"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," Akataka said, expressing remorse. The 26-year-old suspect, a native of Delta State, attributed his actions to poverty and mounting family pressures, including his mother's ill health and his father's death in 2025. He explained that desperation drove him back into fraud shortly after regaining freedom.
Operation Details and Digital Tactics
Investigations revealed that Akataka operated under multiple aliases and ran a fraudulent online platform called "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, detailing 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 Response and Warnings
JAMB's Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, who addressed the media on behalf of Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, dismissed any justification for Akataka's actions. She emphasized 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 Akataka's repeated apologies and emotional appeals, JAMB maintained a firm stance, reiterating its commitment to protecting the integrity of its examinations. 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.
