A man identified as Eric Nwombu has been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly impersonating a JAMB coordinator and unlawfully possessing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination documents. The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Safe School Initiative under the Anambra State Police Command. The incident occurred in Atani, following a report from a cyber cafe where the suspect was seen collecting JAMB examination slips from students checking their 2026 exam centres. Police confirmed the arrest through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
During the operation, officers recovered eight JAMB examination slips from the suspect. They also found an exercise book containing the names and examination numbers of students. Nwombu was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for how he obtained the documents or why he was collecting them. His actions raised suspicion among staff at the cyber cafe, who immediately alerted the police. When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended.
The suspect had been telling people at the cyber cafe that he was the official JAMB 2026 coordinator for Atani. This claim was not verified by any JAMB authority, and his presence at the facility without proper identification triggered further suspicion. The police are now conducting a preliminary investigation into the case. The suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for more detailed interrogation and possible charges.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, emphasized the command’s zero-tolerance policy toward any act that undermines the integrity of public examinations. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities related to JAMB or other national exams. The police are committed to ensuring that only legitimate candidates take part in the examination process, and that no fraud or impersonation goes unchecked.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat exam-related fraud in Nigeria. As the 2026 JAMB examination approaches, authorities are stepping up surveillance and enforcement to protect the credibility of the national admissions process. The case serves as a warning to those who attempt to exploit the system for personal gain. The police will continue to work closely with JAMB and other stakeholders to safeguard the examination process and ensure fairness for all candidates.
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