Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) raises alarm over a fresh examination fraud scheme and confirms the re-arrest of suspect Emmanuel Praise Akataka.
Speaking on Thursday, JAMB says the suspect, previously linked to UTME registration fraud, resumes illegal operations after being granted bail, targeting candidates with false promises of score upgrades and intervention.
Investigations reveal he used aliases such as “Official Frederick” and later “Sir Frederick” on WhatsApp to deceive at least 94 candidates into paying for non-existent services.
The board states that affected candidates were reviewed by a special panel, leading to the cancellation of their registrations after due process.
After release, Akataka allegedly reconnected with victims, demanding ₦70,000 each, claiming he could prevent sanctions through insider links.
JAMB says he initially collected funds via a bank account linked to his father before switching to a digital payment platform under a false identity to avoid detection.
“This trend is worrying and shows a growing willingness among some individuals to seek unfair advantage,” the board says.
The Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, reiterates that no individual can alter UTME scores or influence results.
“Any claim suggesting otherwise is fraudulent and punishable under the law,” he warns.
JAMB urges candidates and parents to avoid such schemes, noting that offenders risk prosecution, financial loss and reputational damage.
The board adds it is intensifying collaboration with security agencies, citing recent convictions, including imprisonment for impersonation offences.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Hussaini Ibrahim