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JAMB: Court Convicts CBT Centre Owner Over Registration Infraction

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

Editor

A Grade One Area Court sitting at Aco Estate, Abuja, has convicted a CBT centre owner, Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine, of registration infraction, concealment, breach of trust and theft.

Ezechinoso, a resident of Onitsha, Anambra State, was accused of signing and collecting
a customised and sensitive registration material from the Anambra State office of JAMB to enable him kick-start and activate the process of UTME registration. Instead, he allegedly concealed it with intention to defraud the board.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, which revealed this in a statement on Sunday, expressed happiness over the court action, vowing that it would follow up the prosecution of the case of the reported violation of the data protection right of a 15-year-old candidate by an agent of a CBT Centre currently before a Lagos Court.

The board assured the parents of the 15 year old girl and other concerned Nigerians involved that justice would be served accordingly.

Explaining more on the conviction of Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine, JAMB in the statement by its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, said, “When the case came up for hearing on Monday, 6th February, 2024, the accused, who operates a CBT centre in Onitsha, was charged with criminal breach of trust, concealment, registration infraction(cheating) and theft.

“The FIR reads in parts: cheating, intent to conceal theft contrary to Section 311, 391 and 286 of the Penal Code, “That on 26th January, 2024 You, Mr. Ezechinoso, male of No. 28 Omonun street, Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, signed and collected a customised and sensitive registration material from the Anambra State Office of the Board to enable you kick-start and activate the process of UTME registration.

“But instead concealed it with intention to defraud the Board, to enable you acquire a second one to complete your fraudulent activities at the CBT centre.

“The FIR continued, “You alleged also that the material you collected was not functioning. You lied and denied that you are not in possession of any for registration during interview: “It was later strongly revealed that you actually concealed the material thereby committing the above offences,” the FIR stated.

“According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Olisaemeka Okeke, who was holding brief for Mr. Stanley Nafoaku, the suspect had pleaded guilty to the charge.

“The defendant counsel, Barrister Pere Adge, however, pleaded that the accused was a Nigerian, who might have been prompted by the prevailing circumstances to commit the infractions without intent to cause damage or harm, and being a first-time offender, she pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

“The presiding judge, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Kagarko, however, found the suspect guilty and ordered that he should be remanded at Nasarawa correctional centre till Thursday, 8th February, 2024, when judgement would be delivered.

“However, the case could not be heard on the scheduled date on account of unforeseen circumstances and was postponed to the following day, Friday, 9th February, 2024.

“The following day, the presiding judge found Mr. Ezechinoso guilty on all four counts citing the criminal breach of trust, which attracted nine-month imprisonment or 30 thousand naira fine and attempt to commit the offence of cheating, which attracts a six-month imprisonment or a fine of twenty thousand naira.

“Ezechinoso was also found guilty of intent to conceal, which attracted three-month imprisonment term or the payment of a fine of ten thousand naira while the fourth count charge, which was theft, attracted eight months or an option of thirty thousand naira fine.”

The statement added, “In its reaction, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) welcomed the judgement and warned would-be infractors to desist from their nefarious agenda or face the full wrath of the law.

“The Board also warned of the array of technological devices at its disposal and which had enabled real-time detection of infractions.

“It, therefore, warned that it would not hesitate to wield the big stick on any person or groups, no matter how highly-placed, who might wish to undermine the Board.

“The Board reassured the public that it would not leave any stone unturned to protect its systems and clients against any forms of violation.”

In another development, JAMB restated its zero tolerance for infractions of the nation’s statutes. It stressed that, as a regulatory agency, it does not condone any form of unwholesome practice capable of bringing its hard-earned integrity to disrepute.

To this end, it vowed to “follow up the prosecution of the case of the reported violation of the data protection right of a 15-year-old candidate by an agent of a CBT Centre currently before a Lagos Court and assured the parents of the 15 year old girl and other concerned Nigerians involved that justice would be served accordingly. “

News

JUST IN: EFCC Summons Ex-AGF Malami For Questioning

Published

2 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Editor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for questioning.

Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.

“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.

News

Senate Confirms New FCC Chairman, Approves 37 Commissioners

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

At the same time, 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were approved.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, presented by Chairman Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.

He informed the Senate that all nominees had successfully passed thorough screenings, submitted required documents—including Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) clearances, police reports, DSS vetting, and curriculum vitae—and had no criminal petitions filed against them.

The Senate conducted a state-by-state review in the Committee of the Whole, which was adopted when lawmakers returned to plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, urged the appointees to serve with dedication and uphold public trust.

“Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.

Notable appointees include Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu State) and AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos State), while Mohammed Musa was retained as Secretary of the Commission.

Other confirmed commissioners are: Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue); Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta); Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi); Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe); Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano); Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger); Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

The Senate expressed confidence that the newly confirmed FCC leadership will enhance the commission’s capacity to promote equitable representation across Nigeria’s public institutions.

News

Tinubu Constitutes Membership For US–Nigeria Security Working Group

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of the Nigerian delegation to the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation on security matters.

The decision follows a recent visit to Washington DC by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu will head the multi-agency team, which includes senior officials from key security and foreign policy institutions.

According to a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, members of the working group include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard M. Doro; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

“Ms Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser and Mr Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the US will serve as the secretariat,” the statement added.

Tinubu urged the team to engage closely with their American counterparts to ensure the implementation of security agreements reached during the visit. The working group is tasked with coordinating bilateral efforts on counter-terrorism, defence cooperation, and regional stability.

The initiative has gained prominence following recent remarks by US leadership. US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious-freedom violations and warned of possible military intervention should attacks on Christians persist, increasing pressure on the Nigerian government to strengthen its security response.

Bilateral cooperation
Recall that last week, a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu concluded a series of engagements with United States officials aimed at reinforcing bilateral security cooperation.

The discussions, held in Washington DC, involved senior representatives from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

During the meetings, the Nigerian delegation rejected allegations of genocide in the country, emphasising that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“Wrongful framing of the situation would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground,” the delegation stated.

The United States expressed readiness to deepen security support, including enhanced intelligence sharing, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Additional support in the form of humanitarian assistance and technical aid to strengthen early-warning mechanisms was also discussed.

Both nations agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts across the agreed areas. The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civilian protection measures and the safeguarding of vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

The Nigerian delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser; and Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.

The Federal Government highlighted that the engagements provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, build trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting citizens.

It urged the public to remain assured that coordinated measures are being taken to enhance security nationwide.