Former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, has indicated interest in settling his N5.2 billion fraud case out of court.
This was disclosed at the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ojerinde is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on an 18-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds while serving as head of both JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
During the proceedings, Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, informed the court that talks were ongoing between his client and the ICPC to resolve the matter administratively. He, therefore, requested a long adjournment to allow both parties conclude the reconciliation process.
Counsel to the ICPC, Lesie Iheduru, did not oppose the request, confirming that discussions are in progress regarding the possible settlement. The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, adjourned the matter to October 20 for a report on the outcome of the talks or for the defence to open its case if negotiations fail.
Earlier in the trial, the judge had ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Ojerinde, requiring him to enter a defence. The former JAMB boss, however, maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
It would be recalled that a previous attempt by Ojerinde in 2022 to enter a plea bargain with the ICPC failed. The current settlement talks represent a renewed effort to resolve the matter outside the courtroom.