Ex-Taraba Governor Ishaku Granted Bail of N150m
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has granted the former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, bail in the sum of N150M over an alleged N27 billion fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court granted Ishaku bail with two sureties in the like sum, with one of them being a federal government employee and a director, and both required to be residents in the FCT with their house addresses verified by the Court Registrar.
The court has prohibited the former governor and his co-defendant, Bello Yero, from traveling out of the country without its permission, as trial proceedings are set to commence on November 4, 5, and 13.
The EFCC, which had earlier granted the former governor administrative bail, did not oppose the bail application.
The charges against Ishaku and Yero involve the alleged diversion of a total of N27 billion in funds belonging to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Councils in Taraba State, which the EFCC claims they dishonestly diverted for personal use.
With the grant of bail, Ishaku is now able to seek legal defense and mount a case to prove his innocence in the matter.
The seriousness of the charges against Ishaku highlights the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, as the agency continues to investigate and prosecute individuals alleged to have misappropriated public funds.
While the case is ongoing, the outcome will serve as a test of the judicial system’s ability to hold accountable those who are accused of abusing their positions of power and misusing public funds.
The allegations against the former governor of Taraba State and his co-defendant also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly in the management and disbursement of public funds.
As the country grapples with issues of corruption, poverty, and inequality, the proper management of public funds becomes increasingly crucial in ensuring that government resources are utilized effectively to address the needs and challenges facing the Nigerian people.
The arrest and prosecution of Ishaku and Yero should serve as a cautionary tale for public officials who may be tempted to engage in similar acts of corruption and financial mismanagement.
As the EFCC continues to investigate and prosecute alleged cases of corruption, it remains imperative for public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their conduct, and to prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people over their own personal gain.
By doing so, they can help to restore public trust in the government and contribute to a more just and equitable.
