The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended three individuals suspected of operating a fraudulent Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website and producing fake admission letters. The suspects, identified as Effa Leonard Mpama, 34; Ibang Ernest Jerome, 38; and Eshiet Odotukana Benson, 38, are believed to be part of a larger syndicate, with several accomplices still at large.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the suspects conspired to illegally access JAMB’s restricted Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility. They exploited this access to manipulate and delete genuine admission letters, replacing them with counterfeit ones. This fraudulent activity allowed the issuance of false admission letters, which were then used to secure admissions into tertiary institutions and to facilitate mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, thereby undermining the integrity of the JAMB admission process.
The statement emphasized the ongoing efforts of the NPF and JAMB to address the proliferation of fake JAMB registration websites and the falsification of admission letters. These efforts aim to eliminate the threat of forgery, system interference, and phishing schemes targeting unsuspecting JAMB candidates.
The NPF-NCCC, in its investigation, uncovered substantial evidence linking the suspects to crimes of conspiracy, computer-related forgery, and system interference, as defined by sections 8, 13, and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement, detailing their roles within the conspiracy.
According to the statement, Effa Leonard Mpama and Ibang Ernest Jerome collected personal information from prospective candidates and forwarded it to Eshiet Odotukana Benson. Benson, with the help of two accomplices known only as Daniel and Chris, who are still at large, manipulated the CAPS system from their respective positions at JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) Centers in Calabar, Cross River State.
Further digital forensic analysis led to the discovery of four fake domains and websites, as well as the identification of two principal members of the syndicate operating out of Imo State. These findings have been crucial in dismantling the network responsible for the creation and operation of these fraudulent sites.
The third suspect, Eshiet Odotukana Benson, used his access to CAPS to log into the e-facility of candidates with previous legitimate admissions. He then superimposed the fraudulent details to generate fake admission letters. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, issued a stern warning against criminal activities of this nature and praised the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry. He reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to protect Nigerian citizens both physically and digitally.
The statement concluded by indicating that the suspects will be formally charged in court upon the completion of the investigation.