Dibu Ojerinde, the former registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has told a federal high court in Abuja that he is seeking an out-of-court settlement in the alleged N5.2 billion fraud trial.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Ojerinde on an 18-count charge over the alleged N5.2 billion fraud.
While ruling on the no-case submission filed by the defendant, Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, held that witnesses presented by the ICPC have been able to establish elements of the offence against Ojerinde that require him to enter a defence.
At the resumed court hearing on Wednesday, Eteya Ogana, counsel to the former JAMB registrar, said parties were exploring to see if the matter could be settled administratively.
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“We shall be asking for a long date after vacation to enable us to report same,” Ogana said.
Lesie Iheduru, ICPC’s counsel, did not object to Ogana’s submission and confirmed that talks are ongoing on the reconciliation move.
The judge adjourned the matter to October 20 for a report on the settlement or for the defendant to open defence if the talks break down.
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In 2022, an attempt by Ojerinde to finalise a plea bargain arrangement with the ICPC failed.
The ICPC is alleging that Ojerinde committed multiple frauds while heading the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB.
He was arraigned in July 2021 over allegations bordering on abuse of office and fraudulent diversion of funds from government coffers to the tune of N5.2 billion.
However, the former JAMB registrar pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
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