A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba, who allegedly impersonated the newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.
Justice Salim Ibrahim issued the order on Thursday after Nwogba pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the police.
The judge directed that the defendant remain in Kuje prison pending October 7, when he is expected to rule on the bail application filed on Nwogba’s behalf. The application was also heard during Thursday’s proceedings.
According to a count in the charge, Nwogba, who is said to reside at No. 16, Emeka Egbe by Roban Stores, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and others now at large were alleged to have sometime in 2026 fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar.
He was alleged to have registered his picture on WhatsApp profile and Truecaller on telephone number: 08139433155 with the intent to gain financial advantage to himself.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3)(a)(b) & (4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 Amended 2024.
Giving highlights of the case, the prosecution said a petition was written and submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by Prof. Aina, concerning the activities of some suspected criminal gangs who fraudulently registered and are using the telephone number 08139433155 and using the name and pictures of Prof. Aina without his knowledge and authority.
The prosecution alleged that these individuals were using the identity of the JAMB registrar to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
It said they equally went on LinkedIn and published the number in question, directing unsuspecting citizens to contact them only through WhatsApp using the number.
“The investigating team decided to engage the fraudsters directly, using the WhatsApp number they advertised on LinkedIn.
“The fraudster, who already used the image of JAMB registrar as profile pictures both on WhatsApp and truecaller in order to deceive innocent Nigerians, informed his victims that he wants to offer them a contract and he has obtained necessary approvals from the Minister of Education.”
