A suspected examination fraudster, Emmanuel Akataka, has been re-arrested by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after allegedly orchestrating an online scam that defrauded over 131 candidates seeking assistance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Akataka, who had previously been apprehended and released, confessed during an interview at JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja that he returned to the illegal operation despite earlier promises to abandon fraudulent activities.
“I am ashamed of everything I did. I’m asking for one last chance. I will never go back to this again,” he pleaded.
The 26-year-old suspect admitted earning more than ₦1.5 million from the scheme.
However, JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, disputed the figure, alleging that the total proceeds exceeded ₦8 million.
Investigations revealed that Akataka operated under multiple aliases and managed a fake online platform known as “Example Master Educational Platform,” where he deceived candidates with promises of inflating their exam scores.
Victims reportedly paid between ₦5,000 and ₦8,000 for the fraudulent service.
He also admitted to deploying digital tools, including artificial intelligence applications such as Gemini, to create convincing promotional content and lure unsuspecting candidates.
According to the suspect, financial hardship and family pressures—including his mother’s illness and the death of his father in 2025—pushed him back into crime shortly after his initial release.
Further findings showed that he used multiple bank accounts, some under false identities, and leveraged social media platforms to expand his reach.
He, however, denied having any insider connection within JAMB.
Reacting, JAMB’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, speaking on behalf of the Registrar, condemned the act and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to rooting out examination fraud.
She questioned the suspect’s decision to return to criminal activity despite previous arrest and warned candidates against falling victim to similar schemes.
The Board reiterated that there are no shortcuts to success in its examinations, urging candidates to rely on hard work and legitimate processes rather than fraudulent promises.
