By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, took a fresh twist on Monday after a prosecution witness told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that N1.8 billion earmarked for the purchase of Christmas grains was paid into his private company’s bank account.
The witness, Taiwo Johns, an official of the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the disclosure while testifying in the ongoing trial of Ishaku and Bello Yero, the state’s former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Afrilensnews reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former governor and Yero over allegations of financia
l misconduct involving public funds during Ishaku’s administration.
According to Johns, the N1.8 billion was transferred into the account of his company despite being allocated for the procurement of grains intended for Christmas distribution across Taraba State.
The witness explained the circumstances surrounding the transaction while responding to questions before the court, shedding light on the movement of the funds at the centre of the corruption case.
The prosecution is relying on the testimony to establish how the money was allegedly handled and whether due process was followed in the disbursement and utilisation of the funds.
Ishaku and Yero have denied the allegations against them and are contesting the charges brought by the EFCC.
The case is one of several high-profile corruption prosecutions involving former public office holders, with the anti-graft agency seeking to recover allegedly diverted public funds and secure convictions where sufficient evidence exists.
If the prosecution successfully proves its case, the trial could result in criminal convictions, financial restitution, or other penalties under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. However, the court will determine the guilt or innocence of the defendants after considering all the evidence presented during the trial.
The matter was adjourned for the continuation of hearing.
Source: TheCable.
