By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The Federal High Court Abuja, has remanded Prof. Lawrence Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (Prison).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu made the order following his arraignment, yesterday, (Tuesday)by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), over alleged N900 million fraud.
The prosecution agency claimed Prof Ojerinde committed multiple frauds, while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).
The operatives of the anti-corruption commission had, on March 15, 2021 arrested Ojerinde, in Abuja, on allegations bordering on misappropriation of funds while in office.
Ojerinde, who was docked before Justice Egwuatu on 18 counts charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/97/2021, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.
Efforts by Ojerinde to secure plea bargain failed.
Shortly after taking plea, the prosecution counsel, Ebenezer Shogunle told the court that ICPC was opposed to the oral bail application by Ojerinde’s counsel.
The defence counsel, Peter Olorunnisola, SAN, pleaded the court to allow Ojerinde continue to enjoy the administrative bail granted to him by the ICPC.
“He has a case in Minna, and some of the charges read here are contained in the charge at the State High Court Minna.
“He had taken plea there and the case is coming up tomorrow.
“He is not running away, and has not adopted the style of some Nigerians by falling sick”, Olorunnisola stated.
Subsequently, he informed the court about a bail application he filed and served on the prosecution.
However, he sought time to respond to the counter-affidavit by the prosecution counsel, which he said was served on him late.
Responding, the prosecution maintained the case Ojerinde has in Minna has been taken care of as regards movement of detainees, adding that Niger state has the facility to move detainees from one location to another.
In his bench ruling, the court ordered that Prof Ojerinde be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service facility, pending hearing of his bail application.
Meantime, the matter is adjourned to Thursday, July 8th for continuation.
