The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order on Friday after Nwogba was arraigned on six counts filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Nwogba pleaded not guilty to all the charges. His lawyer, Christian Ejike, subsequently asked the court to grant him bail, while the prosecution urged the court to reject the application, arguing that he could evade trial if released.
The judge adjourned the case until October 7, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application and fixed October 19 for the commencement of trial.
According to the prosecution, Nwogba allegedly used Prof. Aina’s name and photographs on WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn to deceive members of the public and obtain money through fraudulent contracts.
Police alleged that the suspects told victims that JAMB had received approval from the Federal Ministry of Education to supply 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.
The alleged fraudsters reportedly demanded an initial payment of N900,000, purportedly to facilitate a contract, and requested an additional N3 million allegedly meant for the Permanent Secretary and Minister of Education.
The prosecution also alleged that an Access Bank account was provided for the payments.
Nwogba, who was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe. Police said he admitted forwarding the account details to his cousin, identified as Nnabuiife Nwekpa, who is allegedly still at large.
The charges were brought under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The police told the court that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and bring him before the court.
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