Alleged N27 Billion Fraud: Witness Testifies Against Ex-Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku
A prosecution witness, Ismail Lawal, has alleged that former Taraba State governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, gave him $5,000 to relocate to Lagos in an attempt to evade an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mr Lawal made this claim while testifying before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday.
Details of the Case
The EFCC had arraigned Mr. Ishaku and Bello Yero, a former permanent secretary of the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, on a 15-count charge in September 2024. The charges include criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.
During his testimony, Mr. Lawal, who served as a personal assistant to Mr. Ishaku, provided detailed allegations of how funds were mismanaged under the former governor’s administration.
Witness Allegations
Mr. Lawal testified that he worked as a system analyst with Excelarc Partners, a firm owned by Mr. Ishaku, in 2011. In 2012, he transitioned to work as Mr. Ishaku’s personal assistant when the latter was appointed Minister of State for Power. He continued in this role when Mr. Ishaku became governor in 2015.
The witness described his responsibilities, which included managing the former governor’s emails, running errands, and handling cash withdrawals from the accounts section of the Taraba State Government House in Jalingo.
Attempt to Evade EFCC Investigation
According to Mr. Lawal, in 2021, he was informed that the EFCC was seeking to question him regarding financial transactions. However, he claimed that Mr. Ishaku advised him to avoid appearing before the commission and provided him with $5,000 to relocate to Lagos.
“I stayed in Lagos for almost two years, moving from one hotel to another. I don’t know how EFCC officials eventually traced me to my hotel in Magodo,” Mr. Lawal recounted.
Evidence Presented in Court
Mr Lawal told the court that upon his arrest, he was shown CCTV footage of himself collecting money from a UBA branch in Jabi, Abuja. He also reviewed his Zenith Bank statements, which were tendered as evidence despite objections from the defence counsels, P.H. Ogbole (SAN) for Mr. Ishaku and Adeila Adedipe (SAN) for Mr. Yero.
He further alleged that each time funds were deposited into his account, he received calls from government officials, including the permanent secretary, Chindo Audu, and the Director of Finance, Galenya Lydia. They reportedly instructed him to withdraw the funds and deliver them to the former governor.
Defence Strategy and Judicial Proceedings
The defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of certain evidence, but Justice Sylvania Oriji overruled their objections, admitting the documents as exhibits.
The case was adjourned until January 28 for the continuation of the trial, where more details are expected to emerge.
Critical Implications
This case highlights serious allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office by a former state governor. If proven, the claims could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the accused but also for the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The prosecution’s reliance on documented evidence, such as bank statements and CCTV footage, may strengthen its case. However, the defence is expected to challenge the credibility of the witness and the evidence presented.
As the trial progresses, it will test the Nigerian judicial system’s ability to deliver justice in high-profile corruption cases, which have often been plagued by delays and political interference.