Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku faces N27bn fraud trial, witness details cash transfers

In a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, a prosecution witness, Taiwo Johns, testified that about ₦1.7‑₦1.8 billion meant for the purchase of Christmas grains in Taraba State was transferred 69 times from the Gassol Local Government Salary Transmission Account into his company, P3 Cornerstone International Nigeria Limited. He said the transfers were carried out on the instructions of Permanent Secretary Bello Yero, Director of Finance Babangida Hassan and Chief Cashier John Columba.

Johns alleged he withdrew the funds in cash, loaded them into “Ghana Must Go” bags and sometimes drove Yero to Government House with the money. He confirmed a ₦100 million payment on 24 December 2018 was withdrawn in cash and handed to an associate, Dare Lawal, and identified an additional ₦30 million cheque payment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero on a 15‑count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and conversion of public funds totalling ₦27 billion. Both defendants deny the allegations. The court adjourned the trial to 14 July 2026.