Ex-Gov Of Taraba, Darius Ishaku Granted N150Million Bail In Alleged N27Billion Fraud Case

Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and ex-Permanent Secretary Bello Yero were granted bail today in the staggering sum of N150 million each, amidst allegations of a N27 billion fraud case. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama made the ruling, requiring both defendants to provide two sureties residing within the Federal Capital Territory.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has leveled a 15-count charge against Ishaku and Yero, accusing them of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and illegal conversion of public funds. However, both defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Monday and sought bail pending the hearing and determination of their case.

Their lawyers, Paul Ogbole, SAN, and Oluwa Kayode, made oral applications for bail, while the EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, initially opposed the request, insisting on a formal application for a proper response. But during Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Oriji granted the bail request after the prosecution did not oppose it.

Ishaku and Yero were apprehended by the EFCC on September 27 for allegedly misappropriating N1.138 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund allocated to the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State. The trial continues on November 4.

Charges Against Ishaku and Yero:

– Criminal Breach of Trust: Unlawfully diverting N1,138,082,097.71 from the contingency fund for personal use
– Conspiracy: Collaborating to commit the alleged offense
– Illegal Conversion of Public Funds: Misappropriating public funds for personal gain

The EFCC has called for an expedited hearing of the case.