Connect with us

News

N5.2bn Case: JAMB Ex-Registrar Operated Eight Phony Firms, Says Aide

Published

on

A Federal High Court in Abuja was, on Wednesday, informed how a former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde, allegedly floated eight companies, purchased three buildings and bank shares through his cronies while holding a public office.

The companies, two duplexes and a bungalow, and bank shares were said to have been acquired by Ojerinde when he was the chief executive of JAMB.

A witness, Peter Oyewole, made the revelations while testifying for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission in the N5.2bn corruption charges against Ojerinde.

The witness, who was a legal adviser to the ex-JAMB Registrar, admitted that he incorporated the eight companies and purchased the three houses for Ojerinde as his client on oral and written instructions.

The companies are Oke-Afin Boys and Girls Hostel Limited, Sapati International School, Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Limited, Cheng Marbles Limited, Standout Institute Limited, Trillion Learning Centre Limited, Grace Petroleum Limited and Ifelodun Communications Limited.

The certificates of incorporation of the companies and the title documents of the three buildings allegedly purchased for the defendant in Abuja were tendered and admitted as exhibits by the court.

Oyewole, who was led in evidence by the ICPC counsel, Ebenezer Sogunle, claimed to have been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999.

He told Justice Obiora Egwuatu that the companies were floated in the names supplied to him by the defendant.

Oyewole testified that Ojerinde was registered as a director in two of the companies, while his cronies were used as directors in the rest, adding that he never met any of the cronies at the time he was using their names at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The cronies used to register the companies, according to him, are Ojerinde Dayo, Ojerinde Olumide, Awodayo Habib, Adeyanju Gbenga, Ojerinde Olutoyin, Ojerinde Akanbi, Ojerinde Adedayo, Olayiwola Ayanwale, Ibrahim Danmusa and Sanusi Alade Najeem, among others.

Oyewole said the receipts obtained in the course of transactions for the defendant were received and acknowledged in writing on behalf of the ex-registrar by his son and a serving member of the House of Representatives, Olumide Ojerinde.

The witness, who claimed to be an indigene of the same town, Igboho, with Ojerinde, denied registering companies for the defendant to blackmail him, adding that everything he did was on the instructions of the defendant.

To buttress his point, the witness tendered 12 letters exchanged between him and the defendant as well as 17 photocopies of bank drafts issued for his payment for the registration of the companies and the purchase of the three buildings.

The 17 photocopies of the bank drafts allegedly delivered to him by one Dr Jimoh Olabisi, a former Director of Finance in JAMB, were admitted as exhibits.

The witness further told the court that Ojerinde acquired millions of shares in Osanta Microfinance Limited in addition to being a director in the firm at the time he was JAMB registrar.

However, Ojerinde’s counsel, Ibrahim Ishyaku (SAN), could not cross examine the witness on the grounds that several documents tendered and admitted as exhibits were not part of the proof of evidence supplied to him.

The lawyer applied for an adjournment to enable him to obtain the documents and carefully study them.

Due to no objection by the ICPC counsel, Justice Egwuatu fixed April 4 and 5 for the continuation of trial.

The anti-graft agency had last year slammed 18 charges against Ojerinde bordering on alleged diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.2bn.

 

 

Advertisement

News

Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

Published

on

By

A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

Continue Reading

News

How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

Published

on

By

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

Continue Reading

News

Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

Published

on

By

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending