By John Moses
A high-profile corruption trial involving former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, moved forward on Wednesday as a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama overruled an objection to key evidence sought by prosecutors.
Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Yero — a former permanent secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs — face a 15-count charge of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the alleged diversion of ₦27 billion (approximately $18 million) in public funds. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on behalf of the Federal Government, is leading the prosecution. During the resumed hearing, the prosecution presented a statement made by Ismail Lawal, a former personal assistant to Ishaku, during EFCC investigations. Defence counsel Paul Ogbole, SAN, objected to its admissibility, citing a lack of legal representation and video documentation as required under sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
However, Justice Sylvanus Oriji dismissed the objection, ruling that the document was admissible. He clarified that Lawal was not a suspect or defendant in the case and that the relevant legal provisions did not apply in the same way. “The objection is overruled and the statement is accepted in evidence,” the judge ruled, before adjourning the matter to 2 July for cross-examination.
Lawal, continuing his testimony, said he routinely delivered large cash sums — ranging from ₦20 million to ₦100 million — on instructions from the former governor. He claimed these payments were made to various individuals, including state officials and intermediaries, sometimes via direct bank transfers.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, defended the legitimacy of Lawal’s statement, noting that a friend of the witness had been present when it was recorded. Jacobs argued that this fulfilled the requirement for third-party presence, even if a lawyer was absent.
The trial continues as one of several major anti-corruption cases pursued by the EFCC as Nigeria grapples with systemic financial misconduct in public institutions.
