By Muhammad Mamman
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registrar, Dibu Ojerinde, alongside his children and other defendants, over alleged multi-billion-naira fraud.
The case, which centres on accusations of large-scale financial misconduct during Ojerinde’s tenure at the examination body, was stalled after defence lawyers sought more time to study fresh documents introduced by the prosecution.
Presiding judge granted the application, noting that fair hearing required all parties to be adequately prepared before proceedings could continue.
Ojerinde and his co-defendants are facing multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds, with prosecutors alleging that several billions of naira were siphoned through a network of companies and proxies.
The defendants, however, have consistently denied all charges.
The court subsequently fixed a new date for continuation of trial, urging both sides to be ready to proceed without further delays.
The case has drawn nationwide attention, given Ojerinde’s former role at JAMB and the wider public interest in accountability within Nigeria’s education sector.
