Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a no-case submission filed by former JAMB registrar, Dibu Ojerinde.
Ojerinde, who was charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2021, is facing 18 counts related to an alleged ₦5.2 billion fraud.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated that the ICPC’s witnesses had presented sufficient evidence indicating that a case had been established against the defendant, warranting him to present a defence. Consequently, the judge dismissed the no-case submission and directed Ojerinde to open his defence, adjourning proceedings to July 16.
The ICPC accuses Ojerinde of engaging in multiple acts of fraud during his tenure as head of both the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB. He is alleged to have misused his office and diverted public funds amounting to ₦5.2 billion for personal gain.
Ojerinde pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to evidence presented by ICPC’s lead prosecutor, Ebenezer Shogunle, the former registrar allegedly used his position to unlawfully enrich himself while serving as the chief executive of both NECO and JAMB.
These actions, according to the ICPC, violate several sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 and the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 2006.
Although Ojerinde attempted to enter a plea bargain through his lawyer, Ibrahim Ishyaku, in February 2022, the deal fell through, and the trial proceeded. After presenting multiple witnesses, the ICPC concluded its case, leading Ojerinde to file the now-dismissed no-case submission.
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