The Police have arrested three individuals, Leonard Mpama, Ibang Ernest Jerome, and Eshiet Odotukana Benson, accused of masterminding a forgery scheme, system interference, and operating phishing websites to defraud candidates taking the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Control Centre (NPF-NCCC) apprehended the suspects in connection with charges of conspiracy, computer-related forgery, and system interference, in violation of sections 8, 13, and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
During a press briefing in Abuja, police spokesperson Adejobi Olumuyiwa revealed that the suspects belonged to a syndicate that illegally accessed JAMB's restricted Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility. They allegedly altered and deleted legitimate admission letters and replaced them with fraudulent ones, which were used to secure admissions into tertiary institutions and mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, thereby compromising the JAMB admission process.
Olumuyiwa stated, "The suspects and others at large collected personal details of prospective candidates and forwarded them to Eshiet Odotukana Benson. Benson received CAPS links from two individuals, Daniel and Chris, who are still at large and worked in JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) Centers in FAN and UNICAL, Calabar, Cross River State."
Further digital forensic analysis led to the discovery of four fake domains and websites operated by a syndicate in Imo State. The third suspect, Eshiet, with access to the CAPS links, would visit CBT centers, log into a candidate's e-facility account, and superimpose new details to create a fake admission letter.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the NPF-NCCC, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, for their efforts in leveraging technological advancements to protect Nigerian citizens both physically and in the digital space. He warned against criminal activities and partnerships that promote such illegal actions.
"The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation," Olumuyiwa added.
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