The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Professor Dibu Ojerinde, the former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in the ongoing N5.2 billion fraud case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, held that the prosecution had presented enough evidence linking the defendant to the alleged crimes, and therefore, he must enter a defence.
The ICPC had in July 2021 arraigned Ojerinde on an 18-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, abuse of office, and criminal diversion of public funds. The commission alleged that the fraud was committed while Ojerinde served as the head of two major examination bodies in Nigeria — the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB.
Ojerinde, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, the ICPC presented several witnesses and documents to support its claim that Ojerinde abused his position by fraudulently enriching himself using government funds. The commission also accused him of violating various sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.
The charges include conferring corrupt advantages on himself and engaging in advance fee fraud, among other offences. Seven of the 18 charges relate specifically to advance fee fraud, while the rest are tied to corruption and abuse of office.
In 2022, Ojerinde, through his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ibrahim Ishyaku, attempted to negotiate a plea bargain with the ICPC. However, the deal failed, and the case proceeded to full trial.
After the prosecution closed its case, Ojerinde’s legal team filed a no-case submission, arguing that the ICPC had failed to establish a prima facie case against their client. They asked the court to strike out the charges and acquit the former examination chief.
But lead prosecutor, Ebenezer Shogunle, countered that the ICPC had sufficiently linked Ojerinde to the alleged crimes through its witnesses and evidence, and urged the court to compel the defendant to enter his defence.
In ruling on the matter, Justice Egwuatu stated that under Nigerian law, the court is expected to consider whether any evidence exists that connects the accused to the alleged crimes. He confirmed that prosecution witnesses had testified and linked Ojerinde to the offences, especially regarding the use of government funds for personal gain.
“The no-case submission fails and is dismissed,” the judge said, adding that the court was satisfied that there is enough evidence for the trial to proceed to the next stage.
The judge then ordered Professor Ojerinde to open his defence and adjourned the case until **July 16** for continuation of hearing.
This case has drawn national attention due to Ojerinde’s prominent roles in Nigeria’s education sector, especially as head of two key exam bodies. Both NECO and JAMB are responsible for administering crucial exams that determine school admissions and certifications across the country.
The outcome of the trial is likely to have implications for public confidence in educational institutions and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
