Anambra Police Apprehend Suspect Posing as JAMB Coordinator
The Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State has successfully arrested a man suspected of impersonating a coordinator for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The suspect, identified as Eric Nwombu, was taken into custody on April 14, 2026, by operatives working under the Inspector-General of Police Safe School Initiative. This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect the integrity of public examinations in Nigeria.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery of Evidence
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the arrest followed reports of suspicious activities at a cyber café located in Atani, within the Ogbaru Local Government Area. According to Ikenga, the suspect was accused of collecting 2026 JAMB examination slips from candidates who had visited the cyber café to verify their examination details. He emphasized that items recovered from the suspect included eight JAMB examination slips and an exercise book containing the names and examination numbers of various candidates, which the suspect could not satisfactorily account for during initial questioning.
Suspicious Behavior and Attempted Escape
Ikenga further explained that during the initial interrogation, the suspect claimed to be a JAMB coordinator assigned to the area. However, staff at the computer centre grew suspicious of his conduct and promptly alerted security operatives. Upon seeing the operatives approach, the suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended by the police. This quick response prevented any further fraudulent activities and ensured the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
Investigation and Public Warning Issued
The police spokesperson disclosed that preliminary investigations have commenced, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for more detailed action. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command's commitment to safeguarding the credibility of public examinations. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly, assuring that the police will continue to act decisively against fraud and impersonation to maintain trust in educational processes.
