Federal High Court Sentences Youth for UTME Examination Fraud in Katsina

The prosecution has successfully proven that Ibrahim Abdulaziz unlawfully represented himself as Bolanwu Emmanuel during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. This fraudulent act occurred on April 30, 2025, at Zee Alpha Academy in Funtua, Katsina State.

Leading the legal proceeding, Mr A.D. Saleh, who serves as the Officer in Charge, Legal, Katsina Police Command, told the court that the convict committed the offences with the intent to deceive. The prosecutor outlined the legal implications of the act, noting that it violates specific sections of the federal laws. He stated that the offences are punishable under sections 3(1)(a) and (b), and 3(2)(c) of the Examinations Malpractice Act, Cap E15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

To establish the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecution presented three witnesses who testified before the court. In addition to the oral testimonies, the legal team tendered the examination slip as a crucial piece of evidence. Defence counsel, M.T. Steve, objected to the admissibility of the said examination slip. He challenged the document's relevance to the ongoing trial. However, Justice Hussaini Dadan Garba overruled the objection and formally marked the slip as an exhibit for the prosecution.

During the trial, the convict attempted to exonerate himself. Abdulaziz denied any link with the first defendant, Bolanwu Emmanuel. He maintained that he was also a candidate and had sat for the examination in his own right. Despite his claims, he failed to prove his innocence before the Federal High Court sitting in Katsina.

While delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Dadan Garba convicted Abdulaziz of the offences. The judge sentenced him to three years' imprisonment without an option of fine. He noted that the sentence was to serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate undermining the credibility of the examination system.

Concluding the session, Justice Dadan Garba discharged and acquitted the first defendant, Bolanwu Emmanuel. The UTME candidate was cleared of any wrongdoing in the matter.