Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Dibu Ojerinde, former registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), for allegedly misappropriating N900 million.
The ICPC said via a statement that Ojerinde allegedly committed multiple frauds while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) professor was registrar of NECO from 1999 to 2007, before leading JAMB from 2007 to 2016.
In April 2020, the ICPC secured an interim forfeiture of some of his assets which were said to be proceeds of crime.
The anti-graft agency said on Wednesday that Ojerinde is being detained after he was picked up in Abuja on Monday.
“He has been detained by the Commission for questioning over allegations of multiple identities, abuse of office, money laundering, tax evasion and making false statements to public officials,” the commission said.
“The former JAMB boss is also being questioned by the Commission for allegedly awarding fraudulent contracts to shell companies which cannot be traced.
“He was alleged to have awarded contracts for the supply of pencil and eraser at the cost of N450 million each, to Double 07 Concept Limited and Pristine Global Concept Limited, respectively, between 2013 and 2014 while heading JAMB.
“There is no evidence to show that the items which are examination materials were supplied as the contractors cannot be found.”
The ICPC said the former JAMB registrar will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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