A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Arinze Nwogba, a man accused of impersonating the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, be remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja. This decision was made by Justice Salim Ibrahim after Nwogba pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge brought against him by the police.
According to the charge, Nwogba, who resides at No. 16, Emeka Egbe by Roban Stores, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and others now at large, allegedly impersonated Prof. Aina in 2026. He registered his picture on WhatsApp profile and Truecaller on telephone number: 08139433155 with the intent to gain financial advantage to himself. This offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3)(a)(b) & (4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 Amended 2024.
The prosecution stated that 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 used the telephone number 08139433155 and used the name and pictures of Prof. Aina without his knowledge and authority. These individuals allegedly used the identity of the JAMB registrar to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
The investigating team decided to engage the fraudsters directly, using the WhatsApp number they advertised on LinkedIn. The fraudster, who used the image of JAMB registrar as profile pictures both on WhatsApp and Truecaller, informed his victims that he wanted to offer them a contract and had obtained necessary approvals from the Minister of Education.
Justice Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba shall remain in prison until October 7, when he plans to rule on the bail application filed by the defendant, which was also heard yesterday. The court is yet to rule on the bail application, and Nwogba will remain in custody until then.
The alleged impersonator, Arinze Nwogba, and others are accused of using the identity of Prof. Aina to publish the telephone number on LinkedIn, directing unsuspecting citizens to contact them only through WhatsApp using the number. This action led to Prof. Aina submitting a petition to the IGP.
The case highlights the issue of impersonation and cybercrime in Nigeria, with the court taking steps to address the matter. The police investigation and court proceedings aim to bring the accused to justice for his alleged crimes.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Arinze Nwogba's remand in Kuje prison for allegedly impersonating JAMB Registrar Prof. Segun Aina.
- Nwogba is accused of using Prof. Aina's identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and gain financial advantage.
- The court will rule on Nwogba's bail application on October 7.
