The plea bargain talks between a former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission, ICPC, failed on Tuesday.
Mr Ojerinde is standing trial over alleged N5 billion fraud.
On Tuesday, Mr Ojerinde, through his new counsel, Ibrahim Ishyaku, SAN, had pleaded with Justice Egwuatu to give him 24 hours to settle himself with ICPC through plea bargain instead of formal trial.
Mr Ishyaku told the court that his client prefers an out-of-court settlement known as a plea bargain to resolve the matter.
According to him, the trial could commence if, after 24 hours, the matter could not be resolved.
“My lord, our plea is that we (should) be given 24 hours to explore the possibility of plea bargain to resolve this matter and we ask that the trial be adjourned for the period to enable us come up with our terms of the settlement,’ he said.
The lawyer to ICPC, Ebenezer Sogunle, did not object to the request.
He, however, said that the trial would proceed in case the plea bargain fails.
But, at the mention of the case on Wednesday, lead prosecuting lawyer, Ebenezer Shogunle told the court that plea bargain talks failed
“My lord, I regret to inform the court that there has been no plea bargain agreement in this matter.
“We have therefore resolved to proceed with the hearing. We have witnesses in court and ready to proceed,” Shogunle said.
Lead defence lawyer, Ibrahim Ishaku (SAN) confirmed the development and said: “That is the position, my lord, and we are ready for trial.”
