Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has overruled a no-case submission filed by former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde.
This is in relation to an ongoing ₦5.2 billion fraud case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling, delivered yesterday, affirmed that Ojerinde must stand trial and respond to the allegations, as the court found that the ICPC had presented adequate initial evidence to justify a defence.
Justice Egwuatu stated, “The no-case submission is hereby dismissed. The prosecution has established enough evidence requiring the defendant to offer explanations.”
The court postponed further proceedings to July 16, when the former exam official is expected to open his defence.
Ojerinde, who previously headed both JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO), faces 18 counts, including misappropriation of government funds, conspiracy to defraud, and abuse of office.
Although he once explored a plea bargain in early 2022 through his counsel, Ibrahim Ishyaku (SAN), the negotiation failed, and the trial proceeded.
The ICPC alleges that Ojerinde funneled billions of naira into private businesses and personal accounts during his time in office.
Lead prosecutor Ebenezer Shogunle cited violations of the Corrupt Practices Act and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, arguing that the defendant unjustly enriched himself. Ojerinde has pleaded not guilty to all charges.