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[CRIME] · Nigeria · 9 sources

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Part of situation: (2 clusters)

Taraba State corruption trial: Witness details N27bn fund diversion

N27 billion fraud Taraba State EFCC local government subventions Darius Ishaku

During the trial of former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero, a prosecution witness detailed how local government funds were allegedly diverted into private accounts.

Taiwo Jones, testifying before the FCT High Court in Abuja, stated that between 2019 and 2021, local government subventions were transferred into the account of his company, P3 Cornerstone Nigeria Limited. Jones testified that he received between N600 million and N700 million from various local governments, including Gassol, Yoro, and Ardo Kola.

According to the witness, once these funds were received, he was instructed by officials within the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to either withdraw the money in cash or transfer it to designated accounts. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on 15 counts, including criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, involving the alleged diversion of N27 billion in public funds.

The prosecution alleges these funds were intended for municipal operations, salaries, and the upkeep of traditional rulers, but were instead converted for personal use. Both Ishaku and Yero have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Entities

Bello Yero · Darius Dickson Ishaku · Darius Ishaku · Economic and Financial Crimes Commission · P3 Cornerstone Nigeria Limited · Taraba State

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The witness testified he was instructed to withdraw funds in cash or transfer them to designated accounts after receiving them. www.naijanews.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The EFCC is prosecuting former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero. thepodiummedia.com · www.naijanews.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Local government subvention funds were transferred into the account of P3 Cornerstone Nigeria Limited. thepodiummedia.com · www.naijanews.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Yoro Local Government Area allegedly deposited N50 million into the company account on October 11, 2019. www.naijanews.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Ishaku and Yero face 15 counts including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds. thepodiummedia.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Taiwo Jones received between N600 million and N700 million from Gassol Local Government into his company account between 2019 and 2021. thepodiummedia.com

Sources

How Taraba LG ‘Subventions’ were Diverted During Gov Ishaku’s Tenure – Witness [thepodiummedia.com]
Nigeria: Witness reveals how funds were moved to private accounts in ex-gov Ishaku’s alleged N27b fraud case [www.worldstagenews.com]
Godwin Emefiele: ₦124. 86bn CBN Withdrawal Was Unknown to Finance Ministry - InsideBusiness - Business News in Nigeria [insidebusiness.ng]
Emefiele: Finance Ministry unaware of N124. 86bn CBN withdrawal, Witness tells court — National Accord Newspaper % [nationalaccordnewspaper.com]
$4. 5bn fraud: Emefiele’s absence stalls trial, court adjourns to November 11 [blueprint.ng]
Emefiele not signatory to N124. 86bn withdrawal, witness tells court [hallmarknews.com]
₦27 Billion Fraud: Witness Reveals How Taraba LG Funds Were Allegedly Withdrawn [www.naijanews.com]
Witness details N700m cash movement to high-ranking state officials [businessday.ng]
Ogidi murder: Police officer admits shooting was unjustified [punchng.com]