JAMB Nabs ‘Score Upgrade’ Fraudster Again, Issues Fresh Warning To Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has apprehended a suspected fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, once again over alleged examination malpractice schemes targeting candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja, expressing concern that the suspect resumed illegal activities despite being granted bail earlier.

Represented by the Board’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, Oloyede explained that Akataka had previously 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 WhatsApp to lure candidates with false promises of boosting their examination scores.

Through this scheme, he reportedly defrauded at least 94 candidates by collecting payments for a service that did not exist.

Following investigations, the affected candidates were invited to appear before a special committee. After due review, their UTME registrations were cancelled with the approval of the Minister of Education.

Although Akataka was later granted bail, JAMB revealed that he returned to fraudulent activities shortly after his release.

This time, he allegedly adopted a new alias, “Sir Frederick,” and began demanding ₦70,000 from candidates, claiming he could prevent their registrations from being cancelled. He also falsely claimed to have connections within JAMB to appear credible.

Further findings showed that he initially used his father’s bank account to receive payments before opening another account under a false identity, “Zainab Rafiu,” which he presented as a JAMB official to deceive victims.

Oloyede expressed concern that some candidates who had previously been scammed still fell victim again, describing the situation as troubling.

He warned candidates to avoid any claims of score upgrades or special assistance, stressing that such offers are fraudulent and could lead to financial loss and possible prosecution.

The registrar reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to combating examination malpractice in collaboration with security agencies, citing past convictions such as that of Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who was jailed for impersonation.

Speaking after the briefing, Akataka admitted to defrauding several candidates and expressed remorse, blaming his actions on financial struggles and family pressure. He disclosed that he made about ₦1.5 million 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 its determination to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system and ensure that anyone involved in malpractice is brought to justice.