Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero have been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of misappropriating N27 billion in public funds. The case was brought before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The two are facing a 15-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the conversion of funds from the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs’ contingency account. The charges allege that between July 2015 and May 2019, the defendants diverted over N1 billion intended for government use.
One charge states: “You, Darius Dickson Ishaku, as governor of Taraba State, and you, Bello Yero, as Permanent Secretary, dishonestly misappropriated N1,138,082,097.71 from the Bureau’s contingency fund for personal gain.”
Both Ishaku and Yero pleaded not guilty to the charges. The EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, requested a swift trial, while defense lawyers for both men sought bail, which was contested by the prosecution.
Justice Oriji adjourned the hearing to October 3, 2024, for consideration of bail applications and ordered that both defendants remain in EFCC custody until then. They were initially arrested on September 27, 2024.
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