The ongoing N5.2 billion fraud trial involving former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has taken a new turn, as both the defendant and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement.

 

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ojerinde’s counsel, Eteya Ogana, informed the court that both parties were considering resolving the matter administratively.

 

“There is a development; an intervention which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled,” Ogana told the court. “In view of this, we are requesting a long adjournment after the court’s vacation.”

 

 

 

The ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, confirmed the development, stating that reconciliation talks were ongoing and that the commission was not opposed to the adjournment.

 

Justice Egwuatu consequently adjourned the matter to October 20, 2025, for a report on the outcome of the settlement talks or, alternatively, for the defence to open its case.

 

Background of the Case

 

Ojerinde was first arraigned in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on corruption, criminal breach of trust, and fraudulent diversion of public funds during his tenure as head of JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

 

The ICPC alleged that he used his position to fraudulently divert funds totaling ₦5.2 billion, conferring corrupt advantages upon himself in breach of Sections 19, 24, 25(1)(a) and (b) of the ICPC Act 2000, and Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006.

 

Although Ojerinde had previously sought a plea bargain in February 2022, the arrangement fell apart, and he later filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

 

However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the no-case submission on June 10, 2025, and ordered Ojerinde to enter his defence.