The Federal Government is to arraign Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on seven-count charge bordering on money laundering at a Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ojerinde is being arraigned alongside his four children; Mary Funmilola, Olumide Abiodun, Adedayo and Oluwaseun Adeniyi, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Olumide Abiodun Ojerinde was a member House of Representatives at 9th Assembly representing Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Constituency of Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojerinde and his companies are currently facing a money laundering charge to the tune of N5 billion before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
He was accused to have diverted public funds while he served as National Examinations Council and NAMB registrar.
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However, in this fresh charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/23, the ex-JAMB boss and his four children were included.
Also joined in the charge are all his companies which include: Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Ltd, Cheng Marbles Ltd, Sapati International Schools Ltd, Trillium Learnings Centre Ltd and Standout Institutes Ltd.
Ojerinde and the ten defendants’ were yet to take a plea as at the time of filing the reports.(NAN)
However, the absence of the four children of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), stalled their arraignment on Friday.
Although they were not in court, they were represented by a lawyer, Ajibola Bello.
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Upon resumed hearing, ICPC’s counsel, Henry Emore, informed the court that the matter was slated for the defendants to take their plea.
He said the 2nd to 7th defendants were corporate persons while the 8th to 11th defendants were natural persons.
Emore said though the defendants were to be arraigned, the 8th to 11 defendants were not in court.
He said the matter was filed on Monday and the court, on Wednesday, graciously gave them today for the defendants to take their plea.
He, however, said they were unable to serve the 8th to 11th defendants.
The lawyer prayed the court for a short adjournment.
Justice Ekwo directed Emore to serve their lawyer in open court since he was present.
“I grant you a leave to serve them now through their counsel. Let the court record shows that this is by leave of court.
“When a lawyer is representing defendants in court, it means that the lawyer knows the contact of the defendants and can reach them,” he said.
The judge, who adjourned the matter until April 19, said: “there shall be consequence if the defendants are not in court in the next adjourned date.”(NAN)
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