Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku Faces N27 Billion Corruption Charges

The ongoing trial of former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku and his co-defendant, former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero, has entered its next phase, with the first prosecution witness, Ismail Oluwadamilare Lawal, testifying in court. Lawal, a personal assistant to Ishaku, revealed that he collected the former governor's allowances on his behalf from Government House, Jalingo, and acknowledged that he did not know the exact amount of the allowances.

Key Takeaways:

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought a 15-count charge against Ishaku and Yero, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.
• Lawal, the EFCC witness, collected Ishaku's allowances on his behalf, including travel, domestic staff, vehicle maintenance, medical, security, and severance allowances.
• The witness stated that he was unaware of the total amount of allowances he collected, but claimed to have carried out legitimate assignments on behalf of the former governor.
• Lawal acknowledged that he was in EFCC custody for 40 days due to his inability to meet bail conditions given by the commission.
• The witness made several statements to the EFCC without his lawyer's presence and was told that the statements might be used against him in court.
• Lawal confirmed that he had paid money into Barrett Holdings' account, which he claimed was part of Ishaku's allowances or cash provided by the former governor.

Statistics:

• N27 billion: The total amount of public funds allegedly converted by Ishaku and Yero.
• 15-count charge: The number of charges brought against Ishaku and Yero by the EFCC.
• 40 days: The length of time Lawal was in EFCC custody due to his bail conditions.

Sources:

• "EFCC Arraigns Two Over N27 Billion Corruption", _The Guardian_, FCT/HC/CR/ 792/2024.
• "Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku, Permanent Secretary Bello Yero face EFCC probe", _Premium Times_, FCT/HC/CR/ 792/2024.