The trial of the former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, for alleged N27 billion fraud was stalled at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday due to the absence of Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftain y Affairs..
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Ishaku and Yero with criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds to the tune of N27 billion.
However, they both pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the resumed hearing in the case, counsel for the permanent secretary, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), apologised to the court for his client’s absence and accepted responsibility for this.
He said that since the commencement of the case, his client had always been present in court for his trial.
The senior advocate said he though the court had vacated today’s date, which was why he could not mobilise Yero to court.
In his ruling. Justice Sylvanus Oriji noted that from the court records, Yero has always been in court for proceedings in the case.
He subsequently adjourned the case till February 9 for continuation of evidence of the second prosecution witness.
