The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained three individuals for creating a fake Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website and issuing fraudulent admission letters.
The suspects, Effa Leonard Mpama (34), Ibang Ernest Jerome (38), and Eshiet Odotukana Benson (38), are part of a larger syndicate, with some members still at large.
According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the syndicate illegally accessed JAMB’s restricted Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility.
They manipulated and deleted authentic admission letters, substituting them with false information to secure admissions and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization, thereby undermining JAMB’s admission process.
The arrests were announced during a joint press briefing by the Nigeria Police Force and JAMB, who vowed to combat the spread of fake JAMB websites and admission letters.
The suspects are charged with conspiracy, computer-related forgery, and system interference, violating the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
The suspects admitted their roles in the conspiracy. Mpama and Jerome gathered personal details from candidates and sent them to Benson, who, along with two associates at JAMB CBT Centers in Calabar, altered the information to produce fake admission letters.
Digital forensic analysis also revealed four fake domains and websites linked to a syndicate in Imo State. Benson, who had access to CAPS links, used CBT centers to modify candidates’ details and create fake admission letters.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun commended the NPF’s National Cybercrime Center for their efforts and warned against criminal collaborations. The suspects will be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.
