“EFCC Takes Action: Former Governor Faces Court Over Allegations”

Babatunji Wusu –

EFCC Arraigns Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku for Fraud

On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought former Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, before Justice S. C. Oriji at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. They face serious allegations of fraud.

Key Charges

The duo is charged with 15 counts related to criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the misappropriation of public funds, amounting to a staggering ₦27 billion. Specific allegations include:

1. Criminal Breach of Trust: Ishaku and Yero are accused of diverting ₦1,138,082,097.71 from the Bureau’s 2.5% contingency fund between July 2015 and May 2019. This act, committed while they held their respective offices, is deemed a serious offense under the Penal Code.
2. Misappropriation of Funds: They are also charged with dishonestly misappropriating the same amount, constituting a further breach of legal and ethical standards.

Court Proceedings

Upon reading the charges, both defendants entered a plea of “not guilty.” Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, requested a trial date and urged for accelerated hearing of the case. Defense attorneys Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN, and Oluwa Damilola Kayode sought bail for their clients, but Jacobs opposed these requests, emphasizing the need for formal applications.

Justice Oriji has scheduled a hearing for bail applications on Thursday, October 3. In the meantime, both Ishaku and Yero will remain in EFCC custody, having been arrested on September 27, 2024.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials in Nigeria.