The Independent Commission for Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses (ICPC) will, on July 6, bring to justice Professor Dibu Ojerinde, former registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), before the Federal High Court of Abuja, for alleged fraud of 900 million naira.
Judge Obiora Egwuatu set the date on Monday, after ICPC attorney Ebenezer Shogunle disagreed with the terms of the plea bargain request that defense attorney PAO Olorunnisola, SAN, had planned to testify in court.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that agents of the anti-corruption commission arrested Ojerinde in Abuja on March 15 on allegations bordering on embezzlement.
The commission said the former chief executive allegedly committed multiple frauds while leading the JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).
In costume number: CR / 97/21 filed in court, Ojerinde is the only defendant.
When the case was arraigned, the defendant’s lawyer, Olorunnisola, told the court that arrangements were being made for a plea negotiation.
NAN reports that a plea bargain is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a less serious charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges.
However, Shogunle, who had already received a copy of the process, disagreed with Olorunnisola’s submission, saying the commission disagreed with the terms of the request.
Citing an authority in support of his thesis, lead counsel argued that the request to negotiate a sentence before indictment was in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Judge Egwuatu held that since the prosecution did not agree with the terms put forward by the defense, awwritten correspondence must be filed to this effect.
The judge then adjourned the case until July 6 for arraignment. (NAN)
