The Ekiti State Police Command has apprehended a 65-year-old man, Olugbenga Akinola, for allegedly distributing fake university certificates to students in Ekiti State. The arrest has brought to light a concerning scam targeting unsuspecting individuals seeking higher education credentials.
Joseph Eribo, the Commissioner of Police, shared details of the case during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He explained that Akinola, along with another individual, Sunday Adesanmi, falsely claimed to operate an affiliate center linked to Kwara State University.
Akinola, popularly known as “professor,” had reportedly been defrauding students for years. He would enroll them in bogus academic programs and issue counterfeit degrees, including Master’s certificates, convincing them of their authenticity.
The scam unraveled when one of the victims visited Kwara State University’s main campus in Kwara State. Upon inquiry, the victim was informed that the certificate they had was not genuine and had never been issued by the institution.
Commissioner Eribo stated that credible intelligence led detectives to discover the illegal operations of a Kwara State University study center in Ado-Ekiti on February 18, 2025. The center was unlawfully issuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to members of the public.
The university authorities were consulted during the investigation and denied any connection with the center or its operators. Both Akinola and his accomplice conspired to carry out the fraudulent activities and have since been charged in court for offenses including fraud and impersonation.
The Commissioner also announced that seven suspects had been arrested for allegedly raping minors in different parts of the state. These arrests reflect the command’s commitment to addressing serious crimes in the region.
The police have urged residents to provide credible information on criminal activities to aid in their fight against crime. Eribo assured the public of the command’s determination to maintain peace and security across Ekiti State.
