…the Fake JAMB Coordinator attempted to escape upon sighting approaching operatives.
AWKA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that a suspected Fake JAMB Coordinator has been arrested in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State over alleged criminal impersonation and unlawful possession of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) materials.
The suspect, identified as Eric Nwombu, was apprehended by operatives attached to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)’s Safe School Initiative in the early hours of April 14, 2026, following intelligence and a distress alert from a cyber café operator in the community.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest of the Fake JAMB Coordinator followed reports that the suspect was collecting 2026 JAMB examination slips from candidates who had visited a computer centre in Atani to check their examination centres ahead of the forthcoming UTME.
Ikenga disclosed that upon questioning, the suspect allegedly claimed he was a “JAMB 2026 Coordinator” in the area. However, staff of the computer centre reportedly grew suspicious after he failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding his role and authority.
“The arrest followed a report of how the suspect was collecting 2026 JAMB examination slips from students who had come to check their examination centres in a cyber café in Atani,” the police spokesperson stated.
“Upon inquiry, the suspect allegedly claimed to be a JAMB 2026 coordinator in Atani. The staff of the computer centre, dissatisfied with his response and suspicious of his actions, alerted police operatives in the area.”
Police said the Fake JAMB Coordinator attempted to escape upon sighting approaching operatives but was swiftly apprehended before he could flee the scene.
During a search, officers reportedly recovered eight JAMB examination slips from the suspect, alongside an exercise book containing names of students and their respective examination numbers. Police authorities noted that the suspect could not give a satisfactory account of how he obtained the materials.
The recovered items have been taken into custody as exhibits while preliminary investigations continue.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the matter would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for discreet and thorough investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting the integrity of public examinations, particularly the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He urged parents, students, school administrators and cyber café operators to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The iNews Times understands that the Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts under the IGP’s Safe School Initiative to curb examination fraud, impersonation and other crimes that threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The arrest of the Fake JAMB Coordinator comes amid renewed nationwide concerns over examination malpractice and impersonation syndicates exploiting candidates during UTME registration and examination periods.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned students and parents against dealing with unauthorized individuals who claim to be examination officials, coordinators or agents.
Education stakeholders say fraudulent actors often target anxious candidates by demanding access to registration details or exam slips under false pretences, sometimes promising special centres or “assistance” during examinations.
Authorities stress that only accredited JAMB officials and approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres are authorized to handle candidate information and examination documentation.
Residents in Atani community expressed shock over the incident, noting that the suspect’s alleged activities could have jeopardized the academic futures of several students preparing for the 2026 UTME.
Parents in the area have since called for increased monitoring of examination-related activities within Ogbaru and surrounding communities.
As investigations deepen, police authorities say more details will be made public once findings are concluded at the SCID.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor the Fake JAMB Coordinator investigation and provide timely updates as authorities work to uncover whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a broader network.
