DSS And Police Arrest 20 Suspects For Allegedly Hacking 2025 UTME Results.
Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended 20 individuals suspected of hacking into the server of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The arrests, confirmed on Friday, 23 May 2025, follow reports of unauthorised access to the computer-based test (CBT) system, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
According to a statement from JAMB, the board had implemented stringent anti-cheating measures for the 2025 UTME, which commenced on 25 April 2025, with over two million candidates registered. The breach is believed to have targeted the examination’s server, potentially compromising results. The suspects allegedly attempted to manipulate scores or access restricted systems, though the full extent of the breach is still under investigation.
The DSS and police acted swiftly, leveraging intelligence to track down the culprits. Sources indicate that the arrests were made across multiple locations, with the suspects now in custody for further questioning. JAMB has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the examination process, noting that its enhanced security protocols, including real-time monitoring systems, facilitated the detection of the hacking attempt. The board also confirmed that 630 candidates had registered for a trial mock examination on 5 April 2025, which may have been part of the system’s stress-testing prior to the main UTME.
This incident comes amidst JAMB’s ongoing efforts to curb examination malpractice. The board recently reported the arrest of candidates attempting to use forged A-level results, underscoring its zero-tolerance stance. “We have robust systems in place to detect and penalise any form of fraud,” a JAMB spokesperson stated, urging candidates to adhere strictly to examination guidelines.
The arrests have sparked widespread reactions, with stakeholders calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and maintain public confidence in the UTME. The Nigerian Human Rights Commission has also been alerted, with some groups advocating for broader scrutiny of the examination’s security framework.
As investigations continue, JAMB has assured candidates and the public that measures are in place to protect the integrity of the 2025 UTME results. The board is expected to release further updates as the situation develops.
