The ongoing ₦5.2 billion fraud case involving former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, may soon be resolved out of court as both parties have agreed to explore a settlement.
At the resumed hearing on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ojerinde’s counsel, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu that discussions were underway to resolve the matter administratively.
“The matter was originally scheduled for the defence to open their case today, but the parties are now considering an administrative settlement,” Ogana said. He requested a longer adjournment date to allow time for the discussions to progress.
Counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Lesie Iheduru, confirmed the development, stating that reconciliation efforts were ongoing.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the matter to October 20, 2025, for a possible report on the settlement or commencement of defence.
Professor Ojerinde was arraigned in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on fraud, abuse of office, and criminal diversion of funds during his tenure at both JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In February 2022, Ojerinde attempted a plea bargain, which eventually fell through. Following the ICPC’s presentation of witnesses and closure of its case, the court dismissed his no-case submission in June 2024, ruling that a prima facie case had been established.
The ICPC alleges that Ojerinde fraudulently diverted government funds amounting to ₦5.2 billion, violating provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.
The former registrar is accused of using his position to confer undue advantage on himself through illicit financial transactions during his time in public service.
