The trial of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was stalled on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of legal representation for both the prosecution and the defence.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter until March 25 for a report on settlement or continuation of the trial, directing that hearing notices be issued to the parties. Ojerinde and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had previously agreed, on July 16, 2025, to settle the N5.2 billion case out of court.
Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, informed the court that while the defence was expected to open its case, discussions were ongoing for an administrative settlement. ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, corroborated this development.
The former JAMB registrar was arraigned on an 18-count charge in July 2021, accused of corruption and fraud during his tenures at NECO and JAMB. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Earlier, Justice Egwuatu dismissed Ojerinde’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require him to enter his defence.
The ICPC alleged that Ojerinde engaged in abuse of office and diverted N5.2 billion in government funds for personal gain. Evidence tendered accused him of conferring corrupt advantages on himself, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable while also exploring out-of-court settlements to resolve high-profile corruption cases.
Leave a comment