News

Unlawful Detention: Court Awards N1m To Ex-JAMB Chief, Ojerinde Against ICPC

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2023

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, awarded a N1 million fine against the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) for the unlawful detention of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, also awarded a N200,000 fine against the ICPC as Ojerinde’s cost of instituting the case.

Justice Egwuatu held that though the rearrest of the ex-JAMB boss on Jan. 26 was legal and lawful based on the search warrant obtained from the chief judge of the court, the anti-graft commission ought to have obtained a detention warrant since Ojerinde would not be immediately arraigned.

He agreed with counsel to the commission, Ebenezer Shogunle, that the content of the search warrant specifically stated that Ojerinde, his daughter-in-law and his son, and whatever that was discovered in the premises to be searched should be brought to court.

He also agreed that though there was a fresh charge against the professor and that the arraignment before a sister court was frustrated due to the court vacation and non-sitting of court at some points, including the refusal of Ojerinde’s daughter-in-law and son to be in court for arraignment, the judge held that detaining him without an order of detention for the period in custody was a breach of his fundamental rights.

Justice Egwuatu said that it was uncontroverted that there was a pending charge against the applicant in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/2023, alleging multiple identities, conspiracy to sell and sale of already forfeited property to the Federal Government, multiple identity cards with different names against him, the judge held that Ojerinde “is presumed innocent until he has been proven guilty.”

As to his rights to dignity of person, the court held that the applicant had been unable to prove that his right to dignity of person was breached by the ICPC.

Egwuatu said he had not been able to show that he was either tortured or brought into forced slavery, among others.

Consequently, the judge, who declared that Ojerinde is presumed innocent until the court decides, said that his continued detention was unlawful, illegal and a breach of his right to liberty.

He, therefore, ordered that the embattled former JAMB registrar should be released or arraigned immediately.

Justice Egwuatu, who ordered the ICPC to pay the sum of N1 million as damages for breach of his fundamental right to liberty, directed the commission to pay him N200, 000 as cost of the suit.

He, however, did not grant other reliefs sought

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojerinde, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2023 filed before Justice Egwuatu, had sought an order to enforce his fundamental rights, following his re-arrest on Jan. 26 within the court premises and his subsequent detention.

He, therefore, sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the commission and its officers from arresting or detaining him on account of the petition in respect of which he was currently facing a criminal charge or for the purpose of filing an amended charge as the case may be.

He also sought an order directing the commission to pay him the sum of N500 million only, being exemplary damages for the breach of his rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, the dignity of the human person and presumption of innocence as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

He further sought an order against the anti-graft agency for the sum of N100 million only the cost of instituting the action.

The former JAMB boss, in the suit, also sought an order for general damages against the ICPC as may be assessed by the court.

Besides, he sought an order against the commission for the post-judgment interest of 10 per cent per annum on the judgment sum calculated from the date of delivery of the judgment.

NAN reports that ICPC had accused the ex-JAMB boss of diverting public funds to the tune of N5 billion and was dragged before Justice Egwuatu on the 18-count money-laundering suit.

Ojerinde was however re-arrested on Jan. 26 by the operatives of the anti-graft commission while he was heading to his car with one of his sons after Justice Egwuatu adjourned further proceedings in the charge preferred against him.

ICPC lawyer had told the court that he was re-arrested on suspicion that he might have committed some other offences not unconnected with the present charges before the court.

He said for this reason, the commission “obtained a warrant of this honourable court dated 6th of Dec, 2022,” for the ex-JAMB registrar’s re-arrest.

Ojerinde, his three sons and a daughter-in-law are therefore facing separate charges before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a sister court.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.