Judge Orders Former JAMB Registrar to Open Defence in N5.2 Billion Fraud Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by Professor Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in his ongoing trial over an alleged N5.2 billion fraud.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the prosecution, led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), had presented sufficient evidence to warrant Ojerinde entering a defence.

“The no-case submission fails and is hereby dismissed,” the judge declared, adjourning the case to July 16 for the defendant to open his defence.

Ojerinde faces 18 counts related to abuse of office and fraudulent diversion of public funds during his tenures at JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He was arraigned in July 2021 and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The ICPC alleged that Ojerinde conferred corrupt advantages on himself, diverted government funds, and committed financial improprieties violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.

Despite an unsuccessful plea bargain attempt in February 2022, the trial continued, and the prosecution has since closed its case after presenting several witnesses.