Suspected Fraudster Re-arrested for Exploiting University Entrance Exam Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has apprehended Emmanuel Akataka once more, a man previously implicated in examination malpractice, who is alleged to have resumed defrauding candidates participating in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this development, detailing Akataka’s alleged continued exploitation of desperate students seeking admission.
Oloyede explained that Akataka had initially been arrested for a series of offenses including conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud. During his initial operation, the suspect used the pseudonym “Official Frederick” and managed a WhatsApp platform. This platform was used to lure candidates with promises of fraudulently enhancing their examination scores.
- Initial Deception:
- Akataka deceived at least 94 candidates through his fraudulent scheme.
- He charged these candidates for a non-existent service that he claimed would improve their UTME scores.
Following investigations into the initial scam, the affected candidates were given the opportunity to present their cases before a special committee. Subsequently, their registrations were cancelled with the explicit approval of the Minister of Education. Akataka was granted bail in accordance with established legal procedures.
However, shortly after his release, reports indicate that Akataka recommenced his illicit activities. He reportedly adopted a new alias, “Sir Frederick,” and began demanding a significant sum of N70,000 from each candidate. His new fraudulent claim was that he could prevent the cancellation of their UTME registrations. To lend credibility to his scheme, he allegedly boasted of having “contacts within the Board.”
Further investigations have brought to light the methods Akataka employed to facilitate his fraudulent operations:
- Financial Transactions:
- Initially, Akataka used his father’s bank account to receive payments from unsuspecting candidates.
- He later opened a new bank account under a false name, Zainab Rafiu. He presented himself as a JAMB director using this alias to gain the trust of more victims.
Registrar Oloyede expressed deep concern that candidates who had previously fallen victim to Akataka’s scams were once again ensnared. This situation highlights a disturbing willingness among some examination candidates to seek unlawful advantages, often driven by a desire to bypass legitimate admission processes. Oloyede issued a stern warning, emphasizing that all claims of score enhancement or special assistance during examinations are fraudulent and illegal.
“Engagement with such schemes exposes candidates to financial loss and potential criminal prosecution,” Oloyede stated.
The registrar reiterated JAMB’s unwavering commitment to eradicating examination malpractice. This commitment involves close collaboration with various security agencies. He cited past successful prosecutions, such as that of Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who was sentenced to a three-year prison term for impersonation, as a testament to JAMB’s resolve.
Speaking to journalists following the briefing, Akataka admitted to defrauding numerous UTME candidates. He expressed remorse for his actions, attributing his behavior partly to financial difficulties and pressures from his family. He disclosed that he had amassed approximately N1.5 million from over 100 candidates since his release on bail.
“I am ashamed of my actions. Nothing can justify what I did. I sincerely apologise,” Akataka stated.
JAMB has affirmed its dedication to upholding the integrity of the nation’s examination system. The board reiterated its pledge to prosecute any individual or group attempting to undermine this crucial educational framework.
