JAMB has re-arrested a suspect, Emmanuel Akataka, for examination fraud. The suspect was earlier apprehended for his involvement in various crimes targeting UTME candidates. Akataka allegedly created fictitious identities to deceive candidates into paying for non-existent score enhancement services.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned the public against falling victim to promises of score enhancement or examination support. The board's Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, made this warning while briefing newsmen on the re-arrest of the suspect in Abuja.
Akataka was initially arrested for registration fraud and later granted bail. However, he re-established contact with the same candidates he had previously defrauded, demanding payment of N70,000 from each. The suspect used different bank accounts to receive payments, including one in his father's name and another in the name of a JAMB director.
JAMB has vowed to continue pursuing and prosecuting individuals involved in examination fraud. The board has advised candidates and parents to rely solely on legitimate processes and reject any form of inducement or illegal assistance.
The re-arrest of Emmanuel Akataka highlights the brazen nature of examination fraud syndicates in Nigeria. JAMB's efforts to safeguard the integrity of the nation's examination system are commendable. However, the ease with which Akataka was able to deceive candidates into paying for non-existent services raises concerns about the effectiveness of the board's measures. The N70,000 demanded by Akataka is a significant amount for many Nigerian families, and the fact that some candidates fell victim to his scheme again underscores the need for increased vigilance. JAMB must continue to collaborate with security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that candidates are not exploited.
