Nation
N5.2bn Fraud: Ex-JAMB Registrar Secures N200m Bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to the former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), AdedibuOjerinde, to the tune of N200million.
The court had on Tuesday, remanded Ojerinde in prison custody after the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and arraigned him on an 18-count criminal charge bordering on alleged N5.2billion fraud.
The ICPC had in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/97/2021, alleged that the defendant committed multiple frauds between 2003 and 2021, while he held sway at JAMB.
At the resumed proceedings in the matter, yesterday, the former JAMB boss who pleaded not guilty to the charge persuaded the court to release him on bail pending the determination of the charge against him.
Placing reliance on Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Ojerinde’s lawyer, Peter Olorunnishola, SAN, argued that the charge against his client contained bailable offences.
He equally drew the attention of the court to the fact that his client was previously granted administrative bail by the ICPC.
The Prosecution counsel, Mr. Ebenezer Shogunle, however, opposed the bail application.
Shogunle told the court that the Defendant posed a flight risk, alleging that he breached the administrative bail conditions that were granted to him by the ICPC.
More so, the Prosecution alleged that contrary to one of the administrative bail conditions, the defendant frustrated the investigation process when he refused to make his family members available for interrogation.
The ICPC lawyer told the court that at the time when some persons were invited for questioning, Ojerinde quickly agreed to a plea bargain in a bid to stall the investigation.
Alleging that the defendant was likely to intimidate some of the witnesses billed to testify in the matter, ICPC, prayed the court to deny him bail.
However, in his ruling, trial Justice ObioraEgwuatu said he was minded to accede to the bail request.
The trial Judge held that the ICPC failed to adduce any evidence to back its claim that the defendant either violated his administrative bail conditions or interfered with the investigation process.
Consequently, he granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200million with two sureties in the like sum.
According to the court, “The sureties must be resident in Abuja, provide an acceptable means of identification and evidence of tax payment for three years.
“One of the sureties shall be a professor in a federal university, provide documented evidence of professorship, letter of appointment, and staff identity card.
“Second surety shall be a property owner in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The building must be covered with a certificate of occupancy which will be deposited with the registrar of this court.
“The residences of the sureties shall be verified, pictures of the residences showing the street name and number shall be exhibited”, it held.
The court further ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport and not travel out of the country without permission.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till July 22 for trial.
ICPC had in count one of the charge, alleged that the defendant had while serving as the Registrar of NECO, used his position to gratify himself by “corruptly converting the sum of N27million, property of the Federal Government of Nigeria to personal use, to acquire a property known as Tejumola House, Ikeja, Lagos in the name of DoyinOgbohi Industries Ltd, a company in which you have a private interest.”
In counts two and three, Ojerinde was accused of diverting N3, 811,876,230.10, around February 16, 2009, into a Zenith Bank accounts number: 1002833087 and 1011265699 “in the name of JAMB-J. O. Olabisi.”
He was, in counts four and five, alleged to have used his position as JAMB Registrar to confer a corrupt advantage on one JimohOlabisiOlatunde, whose accounts in Zenith Bank and Stanbic IBTC Plc with number: 1013583506 and 0022594599, in the name of JAMB-J. O. Olatunde, and allegedly diverted the sum of N205,712,575.23 between 2019 and 2018.
In count six, Ojerinde was said to have, between January and February 2014, conferred corrupt advantage on his associate by allegedly authorising the payment of N486million to Messrs Pristine Global Integrated Company, through a Zenith Bank account number: 1013701117 for the supply of “examination materials – calculators, pencil and eraser,” which sum was above his authorised approval threshold.
He was, in count eight, accused of diverting N15million with which he allegedly acquired a broadcast license for Ifelodun Communications Ltd (Gravity FM, Igboho), a company in which he is said to have a private interest.
In counts nine, 10, 11, and 12, Ojerinde was alleged to have diverted public funds to acquire landed property from a property firm, EFAB Estate, Abuja, though a proxy – P.I. Oye and Associates, “in order to conceal your beneficial interest in the said property.”
In counts 17 and 18, Ojerinde was accused of making false statements in respect of his relationship with his former lawyer, Peters Oyewole, one AdeniyiBanji, and a firm, Standout Industries Ltd.
The defendant was arraigned after his earlier moves for a plea bargain with the ICPC crumbled.
The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has assured the people of Tai communities in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State that their opinions and concerns will be articulated in the effort to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people to the Federal Government.
Co-Chairman of the Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Rtd), made the assurance on Saturday during a meeting with Tai LGA communities at the Council Secretariat in Saakpenwa.
He revealed that the dialogue offers Ogonis an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard, urging Tai Communities members to participate actively in the process.
Archbishop Kattey announced plans for the committee to engage with all stakeholders including youth and women of Ogoniland.
He stated that the Federal Government has commenced the confidence-building process requested by the Ogoni delegation by signing the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai stressed that the university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, representing a beacon of hope and progress for the area.
“As we move forward, I encourage every community within Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni.
“Your voices are vital, and I assure you that all collated views will be integral to our demands as we negotiate with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
” This is our chance to ensure that our collective concerns are heard and addressed, so I urge you to seize this opportunity.
“Additionally, we plan to meet with critical stakeholders, including our Ogoni youth and women, in line with the Dialogue Committee’s workplan.
“Your participation and insights are essential as we work together for a brighter future” Kattey stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary initiative in engaging in dialogue with the Ogoni people, calling it a crucial turning point in the quest for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.
He also thanked National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his diligent facilitation of the dialogue process.
The Co-Chairman further thanked Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his involvement and commitment, particularly for the prompt release of the Kira campus of the Rivers State University to enable the immediate establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
In his remarks,the Senator representing Rivers South East at the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi noted that the Tai people are not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland .
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the would-be operator and the communities for smooth operations.
“Tai people are not opposed to oil resumption in Ogoniland , but we want to see how it will be implemented.
” This is why we have submitted our memorandum to you.
“If the would-be operator listens to the terms of the Tai people, we can work together” Senator Mpigi stated.
Mpigi also thanked the Federal Government for assenting to the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai, promising that the university will operate smoothly.
Meanwhile, the Chairman Community Development Committee (CDC), of Korokoro Community in Tai LGA Mr Young Kigbara presented resolution on behalf of the oil-bearing community, while other communities made submissions through the King of Tai Kingdom, HRM King Samuel Nnee
Kiadum Edookor
The people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, have declared that the Ubeta Gas Project being proposed by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, must be located in their domain.
The company had proposed that gas from Ekpeye land would be piped to a treatment plant that would be located at Obite in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The declaration was contained in a communique signed by His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III; Akalaka XII, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Chigemerem David, Eze Emene Echi Ubie I, Secretary, Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs; and Dr. Michael U Nyemenim, President General, Uzugbani Ekpeye, on behalf of themselves and the entire Ekpeye people, after a meeting held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the palace of Eze Ekpeye Logbo III in Ula Upata Community.
The communique, which anchored on six points stated that, “The Ubeta Gas Project shall be built at Ubeta Community or elsewhere in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
“That Ekpeye people will not allow TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited in conjunction with few persons in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to pipe the gas to Obite Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Ekpeye people have proscribed all groups or individuals discussing or dialoguing with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited as regards to the Ubeta Gas Project.
All discussions on the Ubeta Gas Project shall be discussed by the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.Igbu Ubie is a part in Ekpeye and all companies operating in Igbu Ubie, or any other parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation shall be answerable to the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited shall meet with the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to discuss the issue bordering on the exploration of the gas in Ubeta Community.”
The declaration, according to the communique, was not foisted on the people but was taken after much deliberations that followed democratic process, in the presence of some Kings of the Kingdom , heads of important traditional, socio-cultural organs, women groups and youths from all the seven Kingdoms that make up the ethnic nation.
Some notable individuals that were present were the Eze Igbus such as HRM Eze Joshua Eyiba, Eze Igbu Igbuduya II, HRM Eze(Dr) Felix Enene Otuwarikpo; Eze Igbu Upata III, represented by HRH Nye Udu Nnodi Micheal; HRM Eze Anderson Egbuluka, Eze Igbu Ugbobi II; HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu Orlukwor II.
Others were Uzugbani Ekpeye President General, Dr. Michael U. Nyemenim; Ekpeye Youth President, Senior Comrade Justice Ewoh; the National Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association (EOG), Comrade Dogini Chidi; Vice Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Contact Committee, High Chief (Engr.) Samuel Ekiye; and Ada Ekpeye, High Chief (Mrs) Patricia W. Ogbonnaya.
The statement acknowledged the indivisibility of the people, anchored on filial cultural heritage and further declared that; “Ekpeye Ethnic Nation is one and all parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation are what constitutes the people and the place known as Ekpeye! Ethnic Nation. All the stakeholders spoke for the unity of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for a more inclusive approach to tax reforms in Nigeria.
Yilwatda made the call in Abuja, yesterday at an Inclusive Tax Reform town hall meeting with leaders in the disability community.
The meeting was organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Yilwatda emphasised the importance of providing better support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, there should be specific tax relief measures that will address the unique challenges faced by them.
The minister proposed that tax relief be introduced for disability-related expenses such as medical care, assistive devices, and accessibility modifications to existing structures.
He also suggested reviewing Value Added Tax (VAT) policies to reduce or exempt taxes on assistive technologies, mobility aids, and specialised healthcare services.
These measures, he said, would help ease the financial burdens often faced by PWDs, allowing them to live more independently and participate fully in society.
“We need to explore the possibility of tax reductions for disability-related expenses.
“Assistive devices and healthcare services can be very costly, and these tax exemptions or reductions will significantly reduce the financial strain on PWDs,” Yilwatda said.
The minister also emphasised the need for corporate incentives to encourage businesses to employ PWDs.
He proposed offering tax breaks or holidays for companies that exceeded a certain threshold of employees with disabilities, encouraging inclusive hiring practices and improving the economic standing of PWDs.
Yilwatda further called for a portion of tax revenues to be allocated to a National Disability Fund, which could provide long-term financial support for social protection programmes aimed at PWDs.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, highlighted the importance of tax reforms in strengthening the rights and social protection of PWDs.
He also mentioned the potential role of the Vulnerable Trust Fund in supporting PWDs in the future.
Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fair and inclusive tax system.
He stated that the ongoing tax reforms aimed to reduce economic burdens on vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the Founder of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, expressed support for the reforms and commended the government’s efforts to ensure accessible engagement platforms for PWDs.
The Tide source reports that the meeting aims to produce practical suggestions that will guarantee social justice, equity, and fairness in Nigeria’s tax policies.
