How Ex-JAMB Boss, Prof. Ojeriende, Diverted N341.9 From NECO – ICPC Witness

Prof. Dibu Ojeriende, a former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), reportedly misappropriated N341.9 million from the National Examination Council (NECO) to set up a personal printing press, school, and structures, according to the High Court of Niger State in Minna.

Dr. Jimoh Olatunde, a prosecution witness, testified before the trial judge, Justice Abdullahi Mikailu, in the ongoing trial of Ojerinde, that N216, 297.443 was deceitfully withdrawn from NECO account for payments for 17 fictitious printing contracts, which was in reality used to establish the printing press.

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In a 10-count accusation of official corruption and abuse of authority brought against Ojerinde by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr. Olatunde is the first witness to appear before Justice Mikailu (ICPC).
The witness, who is a former Department Director and Head of Treasury at NECO, said in a statement signed by ICPC Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, “We follow due process for the award of contracts strictly on paper but I am confirming to this court that I know what went on underneath despite perfection of all the documents and processes.”

“For example, most printing contracts were awarded to these 17 companies owned by a friend of Prof. Dibu Ojeri­nde between 2004 and 2005. In NECO, he was in control of all printing supplies.

“When he wanted to set up a printing press for Prof Dibu Ojeriende, he submitted a handwritten bill for N246, 914, 890, and I was told to pay 87.6%, or N216, 297.443, alone.” Through the award of phony contracts to the 17 companies, we perfected all of the documentation.”

The witness testified about the several properties he obtained in Minna for Ojerinde using various fronts, including one Alhaji Muri Lamidi and a fictitious address in Kontagora, Niger State, while being led in evidence by counsel to the ICPC, Ebenezer Shogunle.

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The witness also listed before the court a multi-story building known as ‘TejumolaHouse’ in Ojodu, Lagos, which was purchased from Intercontinental Bank for N27 million in 2003 in the name of Doyin OgbohiIndustries Ltd, and Sapati International School in Ilorin, Kwara State, which was built at an initial contract sum of N98.6 million.