EFCC Charges Former Taraba Governor, Perm Sec with N27 Billion Embezzlement
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and Permanent Secretary Bello Yero over alleged N27 billion fraud.
The duo faced a 15-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
According to the EFCC, Ishaku and Yero diverted over N1.1 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund for the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between 2015 and 2019.
The funds were allegedly misused for personal gain, violating Section 315 of the Penal Code Act.
Ishaku and Yero pleaded not guilty, prompting prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs to request a trial date and accelerated hearing.
Justice Oriji adjourned the matter to October 3 for hearing on bail applications and ordered the defendants to be remanded in EFCC custody.
Ishaku and Yero were arrested on September 27.
This development is part of EFCC’s efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability in public office.
