The former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have opted to explore an out-of-court resolution in the ₦5.2 billion fraud case.
Counsel to Ojerinde, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the development during proceedings. Although the matter had been scheduled for the defence to begin, Ogana noted that both parties were considering an administrative resolution.
Justice Egwuatu consequently adjourned the case to October 20 for a status update on the settlement or commencement of defence.
The ICPC initially arraigned Ojerinde in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on corruption and fraud allegedly committed during his tenure at NECO and JAMB. He pleaded not guilty.
A previous plea bargain attempt in February 2022 fell through, and in June 2024, Justice Egwuatu dismissed Ojerinde’s no-case submission, ruling that he must open his defence. The defence argued that the prosecution had failed to present a prima facie case warranting trial.
