Victor Ezeja
The no-case submission filed by former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has been struck out, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) arraigned Ojerinde in July 2021, and he is currently on trial for 18 counts related to a purported ₦5.2 billion fraud.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn his ruling on the defendant’s no-case submission, Justice Egwuatu’s held that the ICPC witnesses were able to prove aspects of the offense against Ojerinde that necessitate his entering a defense.
The judge therefore declared the no-case submission to have failed and dismissed it. In addition, Justice Egwuatu, who ordered Ojerinde to enter his defence, postponed the case until July 16.
While in charge of JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO), Ojerind was accused by the ICPC of committing numerous frauds.
The former JAMB registrar was charged with alleged administrative misconduct and fraudulent diversion of ₦5.2 billion from government funds.
On all counts, however, he entered a not guilty plea.
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In the proof of evidence that Ebenezer Shogunle, the prosecution’s attorney, presented to the court, the ICPC also charged Ojerinde with giving himself a corrupt advantage while serving as the chief executive of NECO and the registrar of JAMB, respectively.
The claims are against section 1 (1) (1) (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 2006 and sections 19, 24, 25 (1) (a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act of 2000.
Ojerinde attempted to enter a plea deal through his attorney, Ibrahim Ishyaku, in February 2022, but it was unsuccessful, and the trial went on.
After a number of witnesses were called to support the accusations, the ICPC closed its case.
The ex-JAMB registrar chose to submit a no-case argument, however, and the court rejected it.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
