BY Bolanle Olabimtan
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Darius Ishaku, former governor of Taraba State, over allegations of fraud.
Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary, bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs, before a federal capital territory high court in Maitama.
Both are being prosecuted on a 15-countcharge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds in the state to the tune of N27 billion.
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.
Rotimi Jacobs, the prosecution counsel, asked the court for a trial date as well as accelerated hearing on the matter.
However, Paul Ogbole and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, counsel to Ishaku and Yero, respectively, made oral bail applications which the prosecution opposed, insisting on formal applications.
Sylvanus Oriji, presiding judge, adjourned the matter till October 3 for hearing on bail applications.
The judge ordered the remand of the defendants in EFCC’s custody.
Ishaku was governor of Taraba state between 2015 and 2023.
In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor to question financial issues during his administration. He was later released on bail.
On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.
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