Three individuals linked to a syndicate at forging Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission letters have been apprehended by the police.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, made this announcement on Thursday. He stated that the trio were arrested for alleged involvement in conspiracy, computer-related forgery, and system interference, violating sections 8, 13, and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, as amended.
Effa Leonard Mpama, aged 34; Ibang Ernest Jerome, aged 38; and Eshiet Odotukana Benson, also aged 38, are the individuals implicated in this case.
The trio, in collaboration with accomplices, orchestrated a scheme to unlawfully gain access to JAMB’s restricted Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility.
Reportedly, they proceeded to alter and erase the admission letters of other candidates, replacing them with falsified information. These manipulated documents were then used to secure admissions into higher institutions and enrollment in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, thereby undermining the integrity of the entire JAMB admission process.
Following their apprehension, the suspects disclosed varying levels of involvement in the conspiracy, aligning with the substantial evidence already gathered.
Effa Leonard Mpama and Ibang Ernest Jerome, along with unidentified accomplices, gather personal information of prospective candidates and transmit it to Mr. Eshiet Odotukana Benson.
Benson then obtains CAPS links through individuals identified as Daniel and Chris, who are reportedly affiliated with JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres located in FAN and UNICAL in Calabar, Cross River State. However, Daniel and Chris remain at large.
Furthermore, digital forensic analysis uncovered four counterfeit domains and websites, as well as two key individuals linked to a syndicate based in Imo State. These individuals are responsible for creating the fake domains and associated websites operated by the syndicate.
Similarly, the third suspect, Mr. Eshiet, possesses access to CAPS links, unlike the previously mentioned duo. He then visits any Computer Based Test (CBT) center and utilizes the login credentials of a candidate with prior admission to access the JAMB e-facility. Subsequently, he overlays the newly collected details to fabricate a counterfeit admission letter.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer emphasized that once the investigation concludes, the suspects will face legal charges in court.(Daily post)
