Absence of Lawyers Delays Ex-JAMB Registrar's N5.2bn Fraud Trial

The trial of Dibu Ojerinde, the former registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), at the Federal High Court in Abuja was disrupted as lawyers from both the prosecution and defense were absent, leading to a delay in proceedings related to the alleged N5.2bn fraud case. Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the case until March 25, awaiting either a report of settlement or a directive to continue the trial.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had informed the court of moves to settle the N5.2bn case. Ojerinde's counsel, Eteya Ogana, sought a long adjournment to allow for the resolution of the case administratively.

The former JAMB registrar had earlier opted for a plea bargain in February 2022 after being arraigned in July 2021 on 18 counts of corruption and fraud amounting to N5.2bn. Ojerinde pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The judge dismissed Ojerinde's no-case submission, ordering the defense to establish a prima facie case.