Former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement in the ₦5.2 billion fraud case instituted against him.

Ojerinde’s counsel, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja of the development shortly after the case was called. Ogana noted that although the day had been scheduled for the defence to open its case, discussions were now underway to resolve the matter administratively.

“In view of this development, we shall be requesting a long adjournment until after the court’s vacation to enable us provide an update,” he stated.

ICPC’s legal representative, Lesie Iheduru, confirmed that talks were in progress between both parties to reach a resolution.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned proceedings until 20 October for a report on the settlement talks or continuation of the defence.

The anti-corruption agency had arraigned Ojerinde in July 2021 on an 18-count charge relating to corruption and financial misconduct allegedly committed during his tenure as head of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and later JAMB.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Earlier this year, Justice Egwuatu dismissed Ojerinde’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established sufficient grounds for the accused to present his defence. The judge noted that the ICPC’s witnesses had clearly outlined the elements of the offences alleged, thereby necessitating a formal defence.

Ojerinde’s legal team had argued that the ICPC failed to present a prima facie case against him and urged the court to strike out the charges. The prosecution, led by Ebenezer Shogunle, countered this claim, asserting that the commission had presented adequate evidence and testimony to justify the continuation of the trial.

The ICPC has accused Ojerinde of committing multiple financial infractions while at the helm of NECO and JAMB. He is alleged to have abused his office and diverted government funds amounting to ₦5.2 billion for personal benefit.

According to the proof of evidence filed by the ICPC, the former registrar was said to have repeatedly conferred corrupt advantages upon himself during his time in public office. These acts are believed to have violated Sections 19, 24, 25 (1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Ojerinde had previously sought a plea bargain with the ICPC in February 2022, but those talks eventually broke down. The current settlement discussions may revive hopes of a negotiated resolution.