Ex-Taraba Governor Ishaku, Permanent Secretary Arraigned for N27bn Fraud

Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and ex-Permanent Secretary Bello Yero have been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of embezzlement and criminal breach of trust of the community.

 The duo faced a 15-count charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, for allegedly misappropriating N27bn between July 2015 and May 2019, which only shows their mismanagement.

 The EFCC accused Ishaku and Yero of dishonestly diverting public funds meant for the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which included an aggregate of N1.1 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund for which they were found guilty. 

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However, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, leading the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, to request an accelerated trial date to clarify the whole misunderstanding.

 Defense attorneys Paul Haris Ogbole and Oluwa Damilola Kayode submitted oral bail applications, which were contested by Jacobs, who insisted on formal applications as a result of the incident that occurred.

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

This high-profile case highlights growing public frustration with corrupt leaders who exploit state funds while citizens suffer.