ICAN Investigates Alleged Exam Impersonation as Taraba Commissioner Denies Links

​The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has launched a full investigation following a viral video on social media that appears to show proxies caught impersonating candidates during one of its professional examinations.  

​ICAN Probes Viral Impersonation Videos

​The video, which has circulated widely, shows a female proxy being interrogated after allegedly attempting to write the examination on behalf of a Commissioner in Taraba State. A separate, similar video reportedly shows a man being apprehended who was allegedly writing on behalf of a bank manager.

​In a statement signed by its Registrar/Chief Executive, Lanre Olasunkanmi, ICAN affirmed its "strict zero-tolerance policy" for all forms of examination malpractice, including impersonation, stating its processes are guided by "globally accepted standards of integrity."

​"ICAN has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter," the statement read. "Appropriate disciplinary measures will be applied in accordance with established regulations, and the findings will be communicated transparently to stakeholders."

​The Institute urged the public to "refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions based on unverified claims" while it works to safeguard the credibility of its examinations and the reputation of the accounting profession.  

​Taraba Finance Commissioner Denies Involvement

​Meanwhile, the Taraba State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economy, Sarah Adi, has vehemently denied the claim that she sponsored the female impersonator seen in the viral video, despite the woman's on-camera statement that she was writing the exam for the Commissioner.  

​In a telephone interview, Commissioner Adi dismissed the allegation, claiming she is the target of a "powerful cartel" seeking to tarnish her public image.

​She linked the current accusation to past controversies, including alleged efforts by labour unions to protest against her for expunging "ghost workers" from the state payroll.

​"It started with labour action... where they mobilised people and asked that they protest against me," she said, adding that her political support for the governor has also been targeted, citing a mutilated billboard in her hometown.

​"Do not be surprised to hear or see that I would be called out again, for another accusation, we are beginning to identify the unseen hands," the Commissioner concluded, standing firm on her denial of the exam impersonation claim.