JAMB Apprehends Individual Tied to Online Fraud Targeting 131 Candidates

A suspect affiliated with an exam fraud network, who had been apprehended before by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has recently confessed to engaging in a sophisticated online scam that duped more than 131 candidates.

Emmanuel Akataka was taken back into custody by JAMB officials and, during a press briefing held on Thursday, March 26, at the Board’s headquarters in Abuja, he acknowledged his involvement in the illicit activities. This admission came despite a prior commitment to aid in the fight against examination malpractice.

Akataka claimed to have earned over N1.5 million from the scheme; however, this statement was contested by JAMB's Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who asserted that the actual amount defrauded from UTME candidates exceeded N8 million through false promises of inflated scores in the most recent examinations.

“I feel ashamed about everything I have done. I just ask for one last opportunity. I promise I will never engage in such acts again,” he stated.

Hailing from Delta State, the suspect attributed his actions to financial hardships and mounting familial pressures, including his mother’s ill health and the death of his father in 2025.

He expressed that desperation drove him back into fraudulent activities soon after his release.

Investigations revealed that Akataka operated under numerous aliases and managed a deceitful online service branded as the “Example Master Educational Platform,” where he enticed unsuspecting candidates with promises of assistance from JAMB.

He reported that at least 131 candidates fell victim to his scams this year alone, with fees charged between N5,000 and N8,000.

“I utilized AI to generate convincing posts and images,” he admitted, detailing how he employed digital tools such as the Gemini application to give his operations a veneer of authenticity.

Akataka further explained that he took advantage of the candidates’ desperation for high scores, particularly those aiming for competitive fields such as nursing.

Many victims, he noted, reached out to him directly, requesting his “help” in achieving desirable marks.

JAMB’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, who spoke to the media on behalf of Professor Oloyede, condemned any rationale for his misconduct, emphasizing that the Board is dedicated to monitoring and dismantling fraud networks.

During her questioning, she pressed him on why he returned to criminality despite understanding both the risks and previous repercussions.

The suspect denied having any accomplice within JAMB but conceded that he leveraged social media groups and messaging applications to broaden his outreach.

He also confessed to using multiple bank accounts, some registered under fictitious names, to collect payments.

JAMB reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the integrity of its examinations and cautioned candidates about the dangers of falling victim to fraudulent practices.

The Board urged the public to remain alert, highlighting that there are no legitimate shortcuts to achieving examination success beyond diligent effort and adherence to proper procedures.