The Erstwhile Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation's Board [JAMB], Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde who is facing trial in a fraud case to the tune of ₦5 billion has decided to go the way of 'plea bargain' with the ICPC - Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission with a view to getting a soft-landing.
Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde pleaded with the trial Judge [presiding over the case], Justice Obiora Egwatu to give him 24 hours to resolve lingering issues with the ICPC via plea bargain other than a formal trial. This took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja where his trial was scheduled to commence.
Ibrahim Ishyaku (SAN), his new lead counsel, told the honourable court that his client prefers an out-of-court settlement which is otherwise known as a 'plea bargain' according to legal registers, in resolving the ongoing issue.
The Senior Lawyer informed the Judge that the trial could commence if and only if, after 24 hours, the matter could not be settled.
Counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Mr. Ebenezer Sogunle however did not object to this request made by the accused but he rather maintained that the trial would proceed in case the plea bargain doesn't pull through.
The ICPC had on the 8th of July, 2021 arraigned the erstwhile (former) JAMB REGISTRAR on an 18-count charge relating to diversion of public funds summing up to ₦5bn. The Registrar, Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde, was said to have executed this shameful act during his regime as Registrar of the National Examination Council [NECO] and JAMB.
The new date for the report of the plea bargain as fixed by Justice Obiora Egwuatu is Wednesday, 9th of February, 2022.
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