By Bamike Folorunsho
The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Olugbenga Akinola, for allegedly distributing fake university certificates to students in the state.
During a press briefing on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the command’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo disclosed that Akinola, along with an accomplice, Sunday Adesanmi, had been posing as operators of a Kwara State University-affiliated study center.
The CP noted that Akinola, who was commonly referred to as a “professor,” had tricked many students into enrolling at this fake center and issued them fraudulent degrees, including Master’s qualifications, over the years.
One of the victims later visited the main campus of Kwara State University, where he was informed that the certificate he had been given was fake and not issued by the institution.
“On February 18, 2025, we received credible intelligence, which led to the discovery of an illegal Kwara State University study center operating in Ado-Ekiti. This center had been issuing both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to unsuspecting individuals,” Eribo said.
The Commissioner clarified that both Akinola and Adesanmi had conspired to deceive students, with the university confirming that they had no ties to the center or its operations.
Akinola and Adesanmi have been formally charged in court with fraud, impersonation, and related offenses.
Additionally, Eribo revealed that the police had arrested at least seven individuals involved in the sexual assault of minors across Ekiti State. He assured the public that the police are dedicated to maintaining security and safety for all citizens.
The Commissioner urged residents to assist the police by providing reliable information about criminal activities and assured that the command would continue its efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state.
