Three individuals were arrested in Warri, Delta State, during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) after police and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) uncovered a syndicate involved in exam malpractice. The suspects allegedly used advanced technological methods to remotely access candidates' computer terminals during the examination. Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed the development at a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He said the operation followed credible intelligence about criminal elements attempting to manipulate the examination system.
According to Mr Placid, digital forensic analysis enabled operatives to detect the breach and trace it back to the perpetrators. The investigation led to the arrest of three principal suspects, who are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing inquiries. Mr Placid stated that the suspects were part of a broader criminal network targeting the integrity of the examination process. He added that further investigations revealed potential involvement of additional examination centres in similar tech-driven malpractice. As a result, JAMB has withdrawn the results of affected candidates pending the outcome of the probe.
Candidates whose results were invalidated will be rescheduled for a mop-up examination in line with established guidelines. Mr Placid emphasized that authorities are committed to dismantling all networks undermining the credibility of national examinations. He warned that legal action would follow for all those found complicit in such acts.
Students whose results were cancelled due to the malpractice must prepare for the mop-up examination as rescheduling will follow JAMB's official process. Parents and candidates should verify examination status through official channels and avoid reliance on unverified claims.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
