20 suspects arrested for hacking 2025 UTME server – Newstrends
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20 suspects arrested for hacking 2025 UTME server

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2 months ago

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20 suspects arrested for hacking 2025 UTME server

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have arrested 20 individuals suspected of hacking into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) servers operated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Security sources disclosed that the arrests were made in Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta states, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate of over 100 cybercriminals targeting Nigeria’s key education systems.

According to investigations, the group allegedly breached the computer systems of not only JAMB but also the National Examinations Council (NECO), compromising the integrity of examination processes and raising concerns over the security of national data.

Preliminary findings revealed that the hackers installed malicious software on examination hardware, granting them remote access to JAMB servers at selected Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Their objective was to manipulate examination results and compromise the credibility of the CBT system.

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According to security sources, the syndicate’s method involved placing routers close to targeted CBT centres, enabling them to override JAMB’s platforms. It was gathered that candidates allegedly paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million to access exam answers through this illegal network.

The breach reportedly caused discrepancies between questions and answers during the UTME, contributing to widespread complaints about mass failures in the 2025 edition. Some of the syndicate members, reportedly owners of private schools and colleges, were said to have led the hack in a bid to discredit the CBT system, fearing its full adoption by other examination bodies like WAEC and NECO might disrupt their fraudulent dealings.

“The DSS has been quietly tracking this dangerous network of cyber attacks,” a security operative disclosed. “Their aim was to sabotage the credibility of our examination system, but thankfully, their activities have been uncovered.”

So far, investigations have found no evidence implicating the seven JAMB officials who supervised the compromised centres, though inquiries are ongoing. The arrested suspects are currently in DSS custody in Abuja, with their identities withheld pending formal charges.

A DSS spokesperson assured that all culprits would be prosecuted. “Those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the official stated.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of digital examination systems in Nigeria, with stakeholders urging for urgent reforms and stronger cybersecurity protocols to safeguard future national examinations. While JAMB is yet to issue an official statement on the development, public calls for accountability and system overhauls have intensified.

20 suspects arrested for hacking 2025 UTME server

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UAE imposes fresh travel conditions on Nigerians

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July 9, 2025

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UAE imposes fresh travel conditions on Nigerians

– No transit visa for 18-45-year-old

UAE imposes fresh travel conditions on Nigerians

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Nigerians to get 3-month single-entry US visa under new policy

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2 hours ago

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July 9, 2025

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Nigerians to get 3-month single-entry US visa under new policy

The United States Department of State on Tuesday announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Nigeria said effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

The statement, however, said that those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.

The US was earlier considering imposing a visa ban on Nigeria.

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“We wish to underscore that, as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” the statement published on its website said.

The US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems, it stressed, adding, “These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.

It said that the US Mission was working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria could meet the criteria.

“Nigerian travellers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” it said.

Nigerians to get 3-month single-entry US visa under new policy

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Pregnant 300-level student accused of setting boyfriend ablaze

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3 hours ago

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July 9, 2025

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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Pregnant 300-level student accused of setting boyfriend ablaze

Tragedy struck in the Choba area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the weekend when a pregnant 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, allegedly burnt her boyfriend, Sunny Amadi (32), to death.

While the exact circumstances leading to Cynthia’s actions are unclear, some neighbours told Daily Trust it might have resulted from a minor argument between the couple.

It was gathered that the deceased is the father of the child Cynthia is carrying.

Residents of the area reported that Cynthia, who fled the scene immediately after the incident, was later arrested by the police operatives and she is also receiving treatment for burns she sustained during the incident.

The incident, which occurred a few minutes after 11pm, saw some public-spirited neighbours rush the deceased to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment, where he unfortunately died.

The police spokesperson in Rivers State, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

She stated that Cynthia is currently receiving treatment at a hospital due to injuries sustained during the incident.

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Due to her critical condition, she is currently unable to provide a detailed account of the incident but will do so once her condition is stable.

SP Iringe-Koko’s statement read:

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a report depicting a fire incident that occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt.

“According to the report, one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend, one Saint Sunny Amadi, a 32-year-old male from Elibrada community in Emohua LGA, ablaze in a room, resulting in severe injuries.

‘’He was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment.

“Upon receiving the report at about 1112 hours, police detectives from Choba Division promptly visited the scene and the victim, who was in critical condition at the hospital. ‘’Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to injuries and died while on admission.

“The police have located Cynthia, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital due to injuries she also sustained during the incident.

‘’She is also heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child. Due to her critical condition, she is unable to provide a detailed account of the incident but will do so when her condition is stable.

“The probable cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained, and a thorough investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further developments will be made public as more information becomes available.”

Pregnant 300-level student accused of setting boyfriend ablaze

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