By Correspondent in Abuja.
(C) Google.
A former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have resumed discussions toward an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing N5.2 billion fraud case.
At the resumed hearing on Monday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Ojerinde’s counsel, Eteya Ogana, informed the court that both parties were exploring a possible administrative resolution of the case.
“My Lord, although the matter is slated for the defence to open its case today, there has been a development.
“An intervention is underway and both parties are considering a possible administrative settlement. In light of that, we are requesting a long adjournment, preferably after the court’s vacation, to report back on the progress,”Ogana said.
The Counsel to the ICPC, Lesie Iheduru, confirmed the defence counsel’s submission, stating, “The position as presented by learned counsel for the defence is accurate is that, we are currently engaging in reconciliation talks and I do not oppose the request for an adjournment.”Ogana said.
Justice Egwuatu granted the request and adjourned the matter until October 20, 2025, for a report on settlement or for the defence to open its case.
This is not the first time the parties have attempted a settlement. In February 2022, Ojerinde had opted for a plea bargain with the ICPC, but negotiations broke down and the case resumed.
Ojerinde was arraigned by the ICPC in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and fraudulent diversion of public funds during his tenure as chief executive of both JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case after presenting its witnesses, Ojerinde filed a no-case submission, arguing that the ICPC failed to establish a prima facie case against him. However, in a ruling delivered on June 10, 2025, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the application and ordered the defendant to open his defence.
The ICPC alleges that Ojerinde abused his office and diverted public funds amounting to N5.2 billion into personal use. According to the prosecution, he allegedly conferred corrupt advantages upon himself while serving as Registrar of both JAMB and NECO.
The charges against him include violations of Sections 19, 24, and 25(1)(a) & (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The case continues on October 20.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
