Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, and a former Permanent Secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, continued on Tuesday before Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting its third prosecution witness (PW3), Taiwo Johns. The defendants are facing a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27,000,000,000 (Twenty-seven Billion Naira). The proceedings followed the conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness (PW2), Prince Emmanuel Onwuzulike, by counsel to the second defendant, Samuel Fagade.
Under cross-examination, PW2, Onwuzulike, told the court that he had a father-and-son relationship with the second defendant, Bello Yero, and that it was Yero who called him and instructed him to disburse funds to one Lawal Damilare. Onwuzulike also disclosed that he did not report to any law enforcement agency after receiving money from PW3, Taiwo Johns, who is a cashier assistant in the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and admitted that he kept some of the money for his personal use. He stated, “The sum of N3 million deposited is for my business; the sum of N2 million, deposited is for my business; the sum of N10 million, dated November 4, is for my business.” He added, “Everything I did was on instruction.”
Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, the prosecution counsel, O. A. Atolagbe, called PW3, Taiwo Johns, to the witness box. Johns, a cashier assistant in the bureau, described his duties, which included raising daily vouchers, preparing payment schedules, preparing staff payroll, assisting the cashier in writing payroll cheques, and accompanying the cashier to the bank for cash withdrawals. He also said his responsibilities included the payment of emirs and local traditional leaders known as "ardos," disbursement of cash during courtesy calls, and any other duties assigned by his immediate bosses: Mr. John Columba (chief cashier), Babangida Hassan (Director of Finance), and the Permanent Secretary, Bello Yero (the second defendant).
Johns explained that the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was responsible for overseeing all 16 local government areas of Taraba State. Its functions included paying salaries and allowances to emirs and chiefs, procuring vehicles for them, handling their medical needs, paying teachers’ salaries, assisting flood disaster victims, and supporting security in local communities and chiefdoms. When asked by the prosecution whether he participated in disbursing money, Johns answered in the affirmative. “Yes, sometimes I give it to the ALGON Chairman, or a local government chairman, depending on where the case arises,” he said. He identified the ALGON Chairman as one Agya.
Johns further disclosed that the funds were disbursed from an account named the “2.5 Percent Contingency Account,” domiciled in the United Bank for Africa (UBA). He stated that the signatories to the account were the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bello Yero (second defendant), and the Director of Finance, Babangida Hassan. The revelation places the second defendant at the centre of financial control over a significant contingency fund. The EFCC alleges that the N27 billion was illegally converted and misappropriated through a web of accounts and proxies.
The trial is part of a broader anti-corruption drive by the EFCC, which has intensified prosecution of high-profile former governors and public officials. Darius Ishaku, who governed Taraba State from 2015 to 2023, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team has previously argued that the charges are politically motivated. The EFCC, however, maintains that it has gathered compelling documentary and testimonial evidence linking the ex-governor and his co-defendant to the alleged diversion of state funds.
After listening to the day’s testimony, Justice Oriji adjourned the matter until Thursday, April 30, 2026, for the continuation of the examination of the third prosecution witness. The court is expected to delve deeper into the flow of funds from the 2.5 percent contingency account and the roles played by each defendant. As the trial unfolds, public attention remains focused on whether the EFCC can secure a conviction in one of the most high-value corruption cases to come before the FCT High Court.
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