Admission Racket: Cybercafe Operator Defrauds Woman of ₦1.5 Million

A cybercafe operator has allegedly defrauded a woman, identified as Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, of ₦1.5 million under the guise of securing admission for her child into a Nigerian university. The case, now under police investigation, highlights the persistence of fraudulent admission schemes that continue to target unsuspecting parents and students across the country. According to reports, the suspect approached Mrs. Adeyemi with claims of having strong connections within a top university and promised that he could guarantee admission for her child into a highly competitive programme. Convinced by his assurances, she transferred ₦1.5 million into his account. However, shortly after receiving the money, the operator reportedly went into hiding and cut off all communication. The police confirmed that they have opened a formal investigation into the matter. Officers revealed that efforts are underway to trace the suspect’s bank records and mobile communication history, adding that the case is part of a larger pattern of admission rackets that resurface during the annual admission period. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has repeatedly warned parents and guardians to be wary of individuals claiming to have “special slots” or the ability to influence admissions. JAMB insists that its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is the only valid platform for admission confirmation into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also cautioned the public against transferring money into private accounts for admission-related issues, stressing that fraudsters often exploit desperation and ignorance. Many of these rackets operate through cybercafes, WhatsApp groups, and social media platforms, luring victims with promises of direct entry, preferential treatment, or quick admission letters. Mrs. Adeyemi, now left devastated by the incident, lamented that she only sought to secure a brighter future for her child, describing the ordeal as “a betrayal of trust and a painful lesson.” Education stakeholders have since renewed calls for stricter enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns to protect families from falling prey to admission fraudsters. Authorities urge students and parents to rely strictly on official JAMB and university portals for admission processes, warning that anyone requesting money to “fix” admission is a scammer.