By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the immediate past governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, over alleged involvement in conspiracy and conversion of public funds to private use to the tune of N27 billion.
The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary of the bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs.
The duo are being tried on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds in the state to personal use to the tune of N27 billion.
During court proceedings on Monday, the defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.
Paul Ogbole and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, legal counsel to Ishaku and Yero, respectively, made oral bail applications.
However, Rotimi Jacobs, the prosecution counsel opposed the oral applications, insisting on formal applications.
The prosecution counsel asked the court for a trial date as well as an accelerated hearing on the matter.
After listening to debates from both parties, the Presiding judge, Justice Sylvanus Oriji, adjourned the matter till October 3 for a hearing on bail applications.
The judge also ordered that both Ishaku and Yero be remanded in EFCC’s custody.
The New Diplomat reports that Ishaku was governor of Taraba state between 2015 and 2023.
In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor for questioning on financial issues during his administration. He was later released on bail.
On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.
