Former Governor Faces N27 Billion Fraud Charges in Court

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally charged Darius Dickson Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, alongside Bello Yero, the former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with fraud amounting to a staggering N27 billion.

The charges were presented before Justice S. C. Oriji at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on September 30, 2024.

The duo is facing a 15-count indictment that includes allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, with particular focus on a sum of N1,138,082,097.71, which the EFCC claims was dishonestly diverted from a contingency fund during Ishaku’s tenure from July 2015 to May 2019.

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Reading the charges, the prosecution stated: “That you Darius Dickson Ishaku whilst being the governor of Taraba State and Bello Yero whilst being the Permanent Secretary, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly diverted the said sum to your own use.”

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Another charge accused them of misappropriation, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations.

Upon hearing the charges, both Ishaku and Yero pleaded “not guilty,” prompting the prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, to request a trial date and accelerate the proceedings.

Defense counsels, Paul Haris Ogbole and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, made oral applications for bail, which were opposed by Jacobs, who insisted on formal submissions.

Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned the case to October 3 for a hearing on the bail applications and ordered the defendants to remain in EFCC custody.

The arrests were made on September 27, 2024, marking a significant move in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.