Court sends alleged impersonator of JAMB registrar to Kuje prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Arinze Nwogba in Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged impersonation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Segun Aina. Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered the remand on Friday after Nwogba pleaded not guilty to six charges brought by the police. The judge fixed 7 October to rule on the defendant’s bail application and adjourned the case until 19 October for trial.

The police allege that Nwogba and other suspects, who are still at large, used Aina’s name and photograph on WhatsApp and Truecaller. Prosecutors said a telephone number linked to the alleged impersonation was used with the intention of obtaining financial advantage. According to the prosecution’s case summary, Aina petitioned the Inspector-General of Police after suspected criminal gangs allegedly registered and used his name, image and the telephone number without authorisation.

Police investigators said the number was promoted on LinkedIn and directed members of the public to contact the operators through WhatsApp. The prosecution alleges that the suspects offered members of the public a fictitious contract to supply 200 HP laptops for the Education Ministry’s digitisation programme. They allegedly demanded N900,000 as a “handshake” and a further N3m for the permanent secretary and education minister.

An Access Bank account in another person’s name was allegedly supplied for payment. Police said Nwogba was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe. They further alleged that he told investigators the account belonged to a deceased nephew and that he had forwarded its details to a cousin, Nnabuife Nwekpa, who is still wanted.

Defence lawyer Christian Ejike asked for bail on liberal terms. Police lawyer Nonso Eleodimuo opposed the request, arguing that Nwogba could evade trial. The allegations have not been proved in court.