The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has re-arrested Emmanuel Akataka, a suspected fraudster previously linked to examination malpractice, after he allegedly resumed exploiting candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, who briefed journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said Akataka had been earlier arrested for conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud. Represented at the briefing by the Board’s Director of Special Duties, Zainab Hamza, Oloyede explained that the suspect initially operated under the pseudonym “Official Frederick,” running a WhatsApp platform that promised fraudulent score enhancements to candidates.

Through this scheme, he deceived at least 94 candidates into paying for a non-existent service claiming to improve their examination scores,” Oloyede said.

Following investigations, the affected candidates were allowed to present their defence before a special committee, after which their registrations were cancelled with approval from the Minister of Education. Akataka was granted bail in line with due process.

However, shortly after his release, Akataka reportedly resumed fraudulent activities. Adopting a new alias, “Sir Frederick,” he demanded N70,000 from each candidate, falsely claiming he could prevent cancellation of their registrations. He allegedly claimed to have “contacts within the Board” to legitimise the scheme.

Further inquiries revealed that Akataka initially used his father’s bank account to collect payments before opening another account under a false name, Zainab Rafiu, whom he presented as a JAMB director to gain trust.

Oloyede expressed concern that candidates previously defrauded fell victim again, highlighting a pattern of willingness among some examinees to seek unlawful advantage. He warned that all claims of score enhancement or special examination assistance are fraudulent and constitute a violation of the law.

Engagement with such schemes exposes candidates to financial loss and potential criminal prosecution,” Oloyede said.

The registrar reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to combating examination malpractice in collaboration with security agencies, citing past convictions such as that of Ibrahim Abdulaziz, who received a three-year jail term for impersonation.

Speaking to journalists after the briefing, Akataka admitted deceiving numerous UTME candidates and expressed remorse, citing financial difficulties and family pressures as contributing factors. He disclosed that he had earned about N1.5 million from over 100 candidates following his initial bail release.

“I am ashamed of my actions. Nothing can justify what I did. I sincerely apologise,” he said.

JAMB stressed that it will continue to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s examination system and prosecute any attempt to undermine it.