Ex-JAMB Registrar, ICPC Seek Out-Of-Court Settlement In ₦5.2bn Fraud Case

Ex-JAMB Registrar, ICPC Seek Out-Of-Court Settlement In ₦5.2bn Fraud Case
ICPC confirms reconciliation talks, requests trial adjournment
Federal High Court adjourns case to October 20 for status update

By Grateful Ogunjebe

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The trial of former JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, over alleged ₦5.2 billion fraud may now be resolved outside the courtroom.

Eko Hot Blog reports that during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, told Justice Obiora Egwuatu that both parties were in talks for an administrative settlement.

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Ogana said the defence had begun reconciliation discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), requesting an extended adjournment to allow time for the process.

“There is a development; an intervention which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled,” Ogana said in court.

The ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, aligned with the request, confirming the ongoing negotiations and stating that the commission had no objection to the adjournment.

Justice Egwuatu granted the request and postponed the matter until October 20 for a report on the possible resolution or continuation of defence.

Ojerinde was arraigned in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on official corruption, diversion of public funds, and criminal breach of trust.

The charges stem from his time as the head of both the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In February 2022, Ojerinde attempted to enter a plea bargain with the ICPC, but those talks broke down and the case proceeded to trial.

After the prosecution closed its case, Ojerinde filed a no-case submission, but in June 2025, Justice Egwuatu dismissed it, ruling that the ICPC had established a prima facie case requiring him to open his defence.

Ex-JAMB Registrar, ICPC Seek Out-Of-Court Settlement In ₦5.2bn Fraud Case

According to court documents, the ICPC accused Ojerinde of unlawfully enriching himself through a network of shell companies, private accounts, and fraudulent procurement deals.

The offences allegedly violate the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006.

Justice Egwuatu had previously expressed concern over delays in the case, which has dragged on since 2021 with multiple adjournments and legal manoeuvres.

Tuesday’s development signals a potential turning point, as both parties appear willing to reach a negotiated outcome, potentially avoiding a lengthy legal battle.

However, it remains unclear what form the settlement would take or whether the prosecution will seek any form of restitution or conditional plea.

The court will reconvene on October 20 to either receive a report of settlement or resume the defence’s case.