UTME 2026: JAMB Warns Candidate Against Examination Infractions

 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Warns Against Exam Fraud Ahead of 2026 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned the public against engaging in examination infractions ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board stressed that it has deployed advanced digital and monitoring systems to combat exam malpractice, noting that no individual or group can influence UTME results.

Registrar Issues Strong Warning

The Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, gave the warning in Abuja while briefing journalists on the re-arrest of an examination fraud suspect, Emmanuel Akataka.

He urged candidates, parents, and the general public to avoid falling victim to false promises of:

▪ Score enhancement
▪ Examination assistance
▪ Special influence on results

He described such claims as fraudulent and warned that those involved risk both financial loss and legal consequences.

The Registrar, represented by Zainab Hamza, reiterated that engaging in such activities is a violation of the law.

Details of the Fraud Case

Watch Full Video: Exam Fraud Syndicate Leader Confession Video & JAMB Warning

JAMB disclosed that the suspect had previously been arrested for multiple offences, including:

▪ Criminal conspiracy
▪ Impersonation
▪ Identity theft
▪ Online fraud targeting UTME candidates

According to the board, the suspect operated under the fake identity “Official Frederick”, using a WhatsApp platform to advertise false services such as score inflation.

▪ At least 94 candidates were deceived into paying for these fake services

Repeat Offence After Bail

After being granted bail, the suspect allegedly resumed fraudulent activities:

▪ Re-contacted previous victims
▪ Used another alias, “Sir Frederick”
▪ Demanded ₦70,000 from each candidate
▪ Claimed he could stop JAMB from cancelling their registrations

Use of Fake Accounts

Investigations revealed that the suspect used multiple accounts to receive payments:

▪ Initially used his father’s account (Vincent Okpowho Akataka)
▪ Later opened a SmartCash account under the name “Zainab Rafiu”
▪ Falsely presented the account holder as a JAMB director to gain trust

JAMB described the situation as deeply concerning, especially as some candidates fell victim again despite earlier warnings.

JAMB’s Position and Actions

The board confirmed that:

▪ Affected candidates were given fair hearing before a special committee
▪ Their registrations were eventually cancelled with approval from the Federal Ministry of Education
▪ The suspect has now been handed over to security agencies

JAMB also reaffirmed its commitment to:

▪ Track and arrest fraudsters
▪ Prosecute offenders
▪ Strengthen anti-malpractice systems

Suspect’s Statement

The suspect, a 26-year-old from Delta State, admitted to the crime and attributed his actions to:

▪ Poverty
▪ His mother’s medical bills

He claimed that even after his initial arrest, some victims continued to contact him for assistance despite knowing the services were fake.

▪ He confessed to defrauding 95 candidates
▪ Claimed to have made about ₦1.5 million

Final Advisory to Candidates and Parents

JAMB advised candidates and parents to rely only on legitimate processes and avoid any form of illegal assistance.

Key reminders:

▪ No one can upgrade UTME scores
▪ No insider connection can influence results
▪ Any offer of “special help” is a scam

The board emphasized that integrity remains the only safe path, warning that those involved in fraud risk losing their registration, money, and facing prosecution.