The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended three individuals suspected of creating fake websites for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration and falsifying JAMB admission letters.
The arrests were announced in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday.
In April, both the Nigeria Police Force and JAMB warned the public about fraudulent websites targeting candidates applying for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
These sites were designed to deceive candidates into providing personal information, which was then exploited for malicious purposes. In response, the police and JAMB partnered to combat phishing websites and scammers.
At a joint press conference held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police and JAMB detailed how these fake sites deceived candidates into sharing registration numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers, which were then used maliciously.
According to Adejobi, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, emphasised the NPF’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens both physically and online.
The statement, titled “Police Unveil Threat Actors Behind Falsification of Thousands of Fake JAMB Admission Letters, Arrests 3, Recovers 4 Fake Domains, Website,” detailed the arrest of three suspects linked to conspiracy, computer-related forgery, and system interference, in violation of sections 8, 13, and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
The suspects, Effa Leonard Mpama (34), Ibang Ernest Jerome (38), and Eshiet Odotukana Benson (38), along with others still at large, formed a syndicate that illegally accessed JAMB’s Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility.
They altered and deleted legitimate admission letters, creating fake ones used to secure admissions into tertiary institutions and the National Youth Service Corps programme, compromising the integrity of the JAMB admission process.
Upon their arrest, the suspects confessed their involvement, corroborating existing evidence. Effa Leonard Mpama and Ibang Ernest Jerome collected candidates’ personal details and forwarded them to Eshiet Odotukana Benson, who obtained CAPS links from Daniel and Chris, still at large, working in JAMB Computer Based Test Centres in Calabar, Cross River State.
Forensic analysis revealed an Imo State-based syndicate behind the creation of fake domains and associated websites. Digital forensic analysis led to the recovery of four fake domains, websites, and two principal threat actors in Imo State. Benson, with access to CAPS links, would visit CBT centres, open the JAMB e-facility with a candidate’s login details, and superimpose new details to create fake admission letters.
Inspector General Egbetokun commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, led by CP Uche Henry, for leveraging technological advancements to protect Nigerian citizens both physically and digitally.
He warned against criminal partnerships promoting illegal activities and assured that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations concluded.
