The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on September 30, 2024, arraigned former Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku and ex-Permanent Secretary Bello Yero before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

The duo faces a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds totaling N27 billion.

According to the charges, Ishaku and Yero allegedly diverted N1.138 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between July 2015 and May 2019.

They pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) requested a trial date and accelerated hearing.

Defense counsels Paul Haris Ogbole (SAN) and Oluwa Damilola Kayode applied for bail, but Jacobs opposed oral applications, seeking formal submissions.

Justice S.C. Oriji adjourned the case until October 3 for hearing on bail applications and ordered the defendants’ remand in EFCC custody. Ishaku and Yero were arrested on September 27, 2024.