A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has a case to answer in the alleged N5.2 billion fraud leveled against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the ruling on Tuesday while dismissing a no-case submission filed by the embattled ex-registrar.
Ojerinde is facing an 18-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and corrupt enrichment during his tenure as head of both JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendant, warranting him to enter a defence.
“The no-case submission fails and is hereby dismissed,” the judge declared.
The court consequently ordered Ojerinde to open his defence on July 16 when the trial resumes.
The ICPC had arraigned the former JAMB boss in July 2021, accusing him of fraudulent activities during his tenure in both education agencies.
Among the allegations are the diversion of public funds into private accounts and the conferral of corrupt advantages upon himself.
The offences allegedly contravene sections 19, 24, 25(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.
Efforts by Ojerinde to secure a plea bargain in 2022 collapsed, forcing the trial to proceed.
The prosecution, led by Ebenezer Shogunle, has since closed its case after calling multiple witnesses to support its claims.
Ojerinde, however, maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
His attempt to halt the trial through a no-case submission has now been rejected, clearing the way for full defence proceedings.
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