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The former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to settle the N5.2 billion fraud case out of court.
Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu shortly after the matter was called at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Ogana said though the matter was adjourned for the defence to open their case on Wednesday, he said there was a development.
He said: “There is a development; an intervention which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled.”
“In view of the foregoing, we shall be asking for a long date after vacation to enable us to report same.
“That is our humble application.”
ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, also corroborated Ogana ‘s remark.
READ ALSO: Court orders ex-JAMB Registrar to enter defence in trial for alleged N5.2bn fraud
“The position stated by the learner counsel for defence is absolutely correct,” he said.
He said talks were ongoing on the reconciliation move.
“Therefore, we are not opposed to adjournment,” the prosecution counsel added.
Justice Egwuatu consequently adjourned the matter till October 20 for report/settlement or defence.
Ojerinde had in February 2022, opted for a plea bargain with the commission before the settlement collapsed.
He was arraigned in July 2021 by the ICPC on an 18-count charge of fraud for offences committed when he headed the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Egwuatu had on June 10 dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ojerinde and ordered him to enter his defence.
The post Alleged N5.2bn fraud: Ex-JAMB registrar, ICPC opt for out-of-court settlement appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
