Computer Based Test Centre (File photo)

Eighteen male suspects are being quizzed in Akwa Ibom for attempted exam malpractices during the just concluded JAMB examinations held nationwide,  DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, the Police Public Relations Officer of  theState Police Command said in a statement on Monday.

According to him, the suspects were arrested on Monday 15th May, 2017 in a rented apartment at No.13, Lutheran Road, Ikot Ekpene, while trying to hack into JAMB Website to have access to exam questions.

The leader of the syndicate, one Isaiah Akpan Eshiet, works for Gmail Computer Technology and Management Institute located at No.15, Lutheran Road, Ikot Ekpen as the manager of one of the centres approved by JAMB for candidates to write the examinations, the Police said.

On how the syndicate had planned to hack into the JAMB examination, Police said “The Centre Manager rented the office, which is about a few metres away from the Institute, to specifically perpetrate the crime.

“He linked a cable from the rented office to a switch of the Institute’s Computer system in the proprietor’s office with the intention to connect the JAMB Server for access to JAMB questions.”

The Police spokesperson, however, noted that the leader of the syndicate had not succeeded when the police on information swooped on him and his associates.

Among the accomplices in the Command’s custody were scouts for interested candidates and those on standby, popularly referred to as mercenaries, who were to solve the exam questions and transmit answers to candidates in the examination hall at the Institute, according to the Police public relations officer.

He listed items recovered from the syndicate to include 27 laptops, cables and a generating set.

DSP Ikechukwu quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah as reiterating that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

Awunah was also quoted as assuring the public that the Command will continue to collaborate with all exam bodies in the state to eliminate cheats from the processes and safeguard their collective integrity.