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Diversion of public funds

Apr 5, 2026

FRN vs Darius Dickson Ishaku (Former Governor of Taraba State) & 1 other

Humans

Darius Dickson Ishaku
& 1 other

Money bag

N27,000,000,000.00
Amount allegedly diverted

Money bag

Case Summary
The 1st accused person, whilst being the Governor of Taraba State, and the 2nd accused person, whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State in such capacity were entrusted with dominion over certain property, to wit: an aggregate of the said sum, which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State allegedly committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property, when they dishonestly diverted the said sum to their own use and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under the same Section.

Calendar

552
Day(s) since arraignment

Gavel

Case Update
The prosecution witness told the Court that he received millions of naira from Gashaka and Yorro Local Government Councils and a firm, P3 Cornerstone. He added that the funds were sent to him by Taiwo Jones and John Columba between 2017 and 2019 through his Zenith Bank account, which he withdrew cash and handed it over to Ismail Lawal, who served as the 1st Defendant's personal assistant while he was in office.

Court house

Hon. Justice S. C. Oriji
Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - complied

Case Information
Darius Dickson Ishaku & 1 other
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice S. C. Oriji, Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja
Nature and Number of Charges
15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Sep 30, 2024
Summary of Case
The 1st accused person, whilst being the Governor of Taraba State, and the 2nd accused person, whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State in such capacity were entrusted with dominion over certain property, to wit: an aggregate of the said sum, which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State allegedly committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property, when they dishonestly diverted the said sum to their own use and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under the same Section.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Darius Dickson Ishaku (Former Governor of Taraba State) – Not guilty
2. Bello Yero (Former Permanent Secretary of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Taraba Stae) – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN (Lawyer)
2. Oluwa Damilola Kayode (Lawyer)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Rotimi Jacobs (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Status of Case
On Trial
Stage of Trial
Prosecution Stage
Length of Trial
552 day(s)
Case Update
The prosecution witness told the Court that he received millions of naira from Gashaka and Yorro Local Government Councils and a firm, P3 Cornerstone. He added that the funds were sent to him by Taiwo Jones and John Columba between 2017 and 2019 through his Zenith Bank account, which he withdrew cash and handed it over to Ismail Lawal, who served as the 1st Defendant's personal assistant while he was in office.
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Complied