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 agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing N5.2 billion fraud case.
Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the development on Tuesday, shortly after the matter was called, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Although the case was scheduled for the defence to open its case, Ogana said discussions toward a resolution were already underway.
“There is a development; an intervention which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled,” he said.
He stated that, in light of the development, the defence would be requesting a long adjournment after the court’s vacation to allow time to report the outcome.
“That is our humble application,” he added.
ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, also corroborated Ogana ‘s remark, saying, “The position stated by the learner counsel for defence is absolutely correct.”
He said talks were ongoing on the reconciliation move, adding that they were “not opposed to adjournment”.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the trial of former JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde, until October 20 for report of settlement or continuation of defence.
The adjournment follows a notice by Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, that both parties—Ojerinde and ICPC—were exploring an out-of-court settlement in the N5.2 billion fraud case.
Ojerinde was arraigned in July 2021 on an 18-count charge of corruption and fraud allegedly committed during his tenure as head of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In February 2022, the former JAMB boss had opted for a plea bargain with the ICPC, but the talks collapsed. The matter proceeded to trial, and after the prosecution closed its case, Ojerinde filed a no-case submission.
However, on June 10, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the application and ruled that the ICPC had established a prima facie case requiring the defendant to open his defence.
The anti-graft agency accused Ojerinde of abuse of office and fraudulent diversion of public funds totalling N5.2 billion while heading NECO and JAMB.
The ICPC alleged that he conferred corrupt advantages on himself through various schemes in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.