In a significant development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to Darius Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, along with his co-defendant, Bello Yero, who faces serious allegations of fraud totaling N27 billion.
This decision was made on Thursday following their arraignment earlier in the week.
Judge S.C. Oriji ordered the defendants to secure bail set at N150 million each and to provide two sureties who must be residents of Abuja, with their addresses verified by the court’s registrar .
Initially, the defendants were remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after pleading not guilty to 15 counts of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and illegal conversion of public funds.
The EFCC, which had previously opposed the bail request, later indicated no objections, as the defendants had adhered to their administrative bail conditions prior to this hearing. The case is set to resume on November 4, 2024.
Background of the Allegations
The EFCC’s charges stem from alleged diversions of local government funds, specifically a contingency fund of 2.5% allocated to the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State.
Notable instances of misappropriation include:
– Approximately N1 billion diverted for personal use between August 2015 and March 2016
– Additional allegations of diversions totaling over N650 million from January 2019 to April 2021
These serious accusations highlight the challenges of governance and financial accountability in public office, particularly during Ishaku’s tenure as governor from 2015 to May 2023 🕊️. Both Ishaku and Yero have maintained their innocence amidst the unfolding legal proceedings.
As the trial approaches, the implications of this case on governance and public trust remain paramount, with many watching closely as the judicial process unfolds.
Conclusion
In a climate where accountability is increasingly demanded from public officials, the outcome of Ishaku’s case may serve as a crucial benchmark for future governance practices in Nigeria .
Stakeholders and citizens alike are encouraged to stay informed as this high-profile case progresses through the legal system.
