A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, on Monday told an Abuja High Court that about N1.8 billion belonging to local government councils was transferred into his private company’s bank account during Ishaku’s administration.
The witness, Taiwo Jones, an Assistant Cashier with the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the disclosure while testifying before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ishaku alongside a former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, on charges of alleged criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and diversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While being led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Jones told the court that his private company account received 69 separate transfers from Gassol Local Government Area.
Although he initially estimated the amount as “about N1.7 to N1.8 million,” the prosecution’s case alleges the transfers totalled approximately N1.8 billion.
The witness testified that the transfers were made on the instructions of the former Permanent Secretary, Bello Yero, and the Director of Finance.
According to him, once the funds were credited to his account, he informed the officials, who directed him either to transfer the money to a person identified as “Prince” in Abuja or withdraw the cash.
He further stated that after the withdrawals, the cash was verified by the EFCC’s first prosecution witness, Dare Lawal, and others.
Responding to questions from Justice Oriji on those involved, Jones identified Yero, the driver’s office, and Lawal.
The witness also alleged that Yero occasionally transported the cash to the Taraba State Government House.
“I know this because I sometimes drove the Permanent Secretary to the Government House with the money inside a Ghana-Must-Go bag,” he told the court.
Jones further testified regarding a N100 million electronic payment made on December 24, 2018, into the account of P3 Cornerstone.
According to him, the payment was processed by the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and authorised by two signatories.
He said the payment narration indicated it was for the purchase of assorted grains for Christmas and New Year distribution.
However, the witness alleged that the money was not used for that purpose.
“The money was not spent on buying assorted grains. Instead, I withdrew the money and handed it over to Lawal,” he testified.
Jones also told the court that he received an additional N30 million from the salary account of Donga Local Government Area.
Following the testimony, Justice Oriji adjourned the matter until Tuesday for the continuation of trial.
The allegations remain before the court, and the defendants continue to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
