N5.2 bn Fraud:Court Dismisses No-Case Submission By Former JAMB Registrar, Dibu Ojerinde

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, in his ongoing corruption trial.

Ojerinde is facing an 18-count charge bordering on an alleged ?5.2 billion fraud, brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Ruling on the application, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that the ICPC had established a prima facie case requiring Ojerinde to enter a defence.

“The no-case submission fails and is dismissed,” the judge ruled.

Following the ruling, the court ordered Ojerinde to open his defence and adjourned the case until July 16, 2025.

The ICPC alleges that Ojerinde committed multiple fraudulent acts while serving as Registrar of both the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB. He was first arraigned in July 2021 on charges including abuse of office and the fraudulent diversion of public funds amounting to ?5.2 billion.

Ojerinde has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In its proof of evidence, presented by lead prosecution counsel Ebenezer Shogunle, the ICPC accused Ojerinde of repeatedly conferring corrupt advantages on himself during his tenure at NECO and JAMB. The alleged offences contravene Sections 19, 24, and 25(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.

A plea bargain initiated by Ojerinde through his counsel, Ibrahim Ishyaku (SAN), in February 2022 was unsuccessful, leading to the continuation of trial. The ICPC has since closed its case after calling several witnesses.