Fake JAMB Coordinator Arrested during 2026 UTME Exercise in Anambra

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have uncovered a suspected examination fraud scheme, arresting a man allegedly posing as an official coordinator for the 2026 JAMB examinations.

The suspect, identified as Eric Nwombu, was apprehended in the early hours of April 14, 2026 at Atani, headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra, following a tip-off that raised serious concerns about his activities at a local cyber café.

According to reports, students had gathered at the center to confirm their examination venues when Nwombu allegedly began collecting their JAMB examination slips under suspicious pretenses.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that he confidently presented himself as a legitimate JAMB coordinator assigned to oversee the process in Atani. However, staff at the facility quickly grew uneasy. His explanations reportedly lacked credibility, and his handling of sensitive examination documents triggered alarm.

Acting swiftly, the staff alerted nearby police operatives.

What followed was a brief but telling moment—upon noticing the approaching officers, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee the scene. He was quickly pursued and apprehended.

A search conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of eight JAMB examination slips, along with an exercise book containing a list of student names and corresponding examination numbers—materials he could not convincingly explain.

Authorities have since launched a preliminary investigation into the incident. The case is set to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a more thorough and discreet probe.

Reacting to the development, the Anambra Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect the credibility of public examinations, describing such acts as a direct threat to educational integrity.

According an official statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the CP urged members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior promptly.