UTME: 3 arrested as police, JAMB bust ‘sophisticated’ exam fraud syndicate in Delta

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigeria Police Force said three members of a syndicate involved in a sophisticated examination malpractice during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State have been arrested.

Anthony Placid, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force said in a statement on Friday that sophisticated examination malpractice was uncovered by police operatives in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),

He added that the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the JAMN examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.

The Police spokesperson said preliminary investigations revealed that during the examination, unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computer systems by members of the syndicate.

“Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity. The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting ongoing investigations,” said Placid.

He added that investigations have also uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities.

He added that in reaction to the discovery, JAMB has taken administrative measures, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.

Also, candidates affected by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures.

“The Force warns all candidates, examination centre operators, and criminal collaborators to desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” Placid said.