Legal representatives for former examination board chief Dibu Ojerinde and federal prosecutors announced their intention to resolve corruption charges through negotiations rather than a trial. Defense attorney Eteya Ogana told Federal High Court Justice Obiora Egwuatu that both parties were pursuing an administrative resolution to the matter. Anti-corruption prosecutor Lesie Iheduru confirmed the ongoing reconciliation talks and agreed to postpone proceedings. The court scheduled the next hearing for October 20 to receive updates on settlement discussions or proceed with defense arguments. Both sides expressed optimism about reaching a mutually acceptable agreement outside the courtroom.
Ojerinde faces 18 criminal charges related to his leadership of the National Examinations Council and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Federal investigators accuse the former administrator of diverting approximately 5.2 billion naira from government accounts for personal benefit. The defendant entered not guilty pleas to all charges when proceedings began in July 2021. His previous attempt at a plea agreement with prosecutors fell apart in February 2022 after initial negotiations. The court rejected his request to dismiss the case in June after prosecutors completed their evidence presentation.
Ojerinde faces 18 criminal charges related to his leadership of the National Examinations Council and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Federal investigators accuse the former administrator of diverting approximately 5.2 billion naira from government accounts for personal benefit. The defendant entered not guilty pleas to all charges when proceedings began in July 2021. His previous attempt at a plea agreement with prosecutors fell apart in February 2022 after initial negotiations. The court rejected his request to dismiss the case in June after prosecutors completed their evidence presentation.
