The trial of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former head of Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was adjourned on Wednesday after lawyers representing both the prosecution and the defence failed to appear in court.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, was unable to proceed with the case as neither the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) nor Ojerinde had legal representation when the matter was called.
Justice Egwuatu consequently deferred the hearing to 25 March, instructing that the court be updated on the status of a proposed settlement or, alternatively, that the trial should continue. He further ordered the issuance of hearing notices to all concerned parties.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, both parties had agreed in July 2025 to pursue an out-of-court resolution of the N5.2 billion corruption case.
Earlier in the proceedings, Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, told the court that settlement discussions were ongoing despite the case being slated for the defence to begin its presentation. The ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, confirmed this position.
Ojerinde had previously explored a plea bargain with the ICPC in February 2022, but negotiations later broke down.
The former registrar was charged in July 2021 with 18 counts of corruption and financial misconduct allegedly committed while serving as head of JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He has consistently denied all allegations.
Justice Egwuatu had earlier rejected Ojerinde’s application for a no-case ruling, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. The judge ruled that witness testimony had sufficiently identified the elements of the alleged offences.
The ICPC accuses Ojerinde of abusing his official position and fraudulently diverting public funds amounting to N5.2 billion, actions it says breach Nigeria’s anti-corruption and advance fee fraud laws.
