EFCC Presents More Witnesses in Alleged N27bn Fraud Trial of Darius Ishaku, Yero
Abuja, Nigeria,Tuesday, April 28, 2026
The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, and former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, continued at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting additional witnesses.
The defendants are facing a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and alleged conversion of public funds amounting to ₦27 billion.
During proceedings before Justice S. C. Oriji, the EFCC called its third prosecution witness, Taiwo Johns, following the conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Prince Emmanuel Onwuzulike.
The second witness told the court that he had a close relationship with the second defendant and alleged that instructions were given for the disbursement of funds, which he claimed were partly used for personal purposes. He also stated that several financial transactions were made into his account, which he described as being for business-related activities.
In his testimony, the third prosecution witness, Taiwo Johns, outlined his duties at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, including assisting in voucher preparation, payroll processing, cheque writing, and cash handling activities. He also described involvement in financial disbursements linked to local government operations.
He further told the court that funds were sometimes disbursed to local government officials and representatives, including the ALGON chairman, from a “2.5 percent contingency account” domiciled with a commercial bank, with authorised signatories including senior officials of the bureau.
The witness also detailed the bureau’s responsibilities in managing local government finances, including salary payments, support for traditional rulers, disaster relief assistance, and other administrative expenditures.
Justice S. C. Oriji adjourned the matter to April 30, 2026, for continuation of the hearing and further examination of the witness.
