Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged N9.3 Billion Fraud

 

Darius Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N9.3 billion fraud. This significant development has drawn considerable attention due to the substantial amount involved and Ishaku's prominent political background.

Currently, Ishaku is in custody at the EFCC office in Abuja. While the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest, he did not elaborate on the details surrounding the charges, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation unfolds.

The EFCC has leveled a 15-count charge against Ishaku at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he is expected to face trial alongside Bello Yero, the former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The charges primarily center on serious allegations of criminal breach of trust and the misappropriation of state funds, which are said to violate Section 315 of the Penal Code Act applicable to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Among the key allegations are claims of Ishaku misappropriating N1.1 billion from the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs' 2.5% contingency fund between August 2015 and March 2016. Additionally, he is accused of diverting N1.1 billion for personal use and misappropriating further amounts of N193 million, N650 million, and N170 million between January 2019 and April 2021.

The breadth of the allegations extends even further, with Ishaku purportedly diverting N3.3 billion and N639.4 million from July 2019 to February 2021. Additional charges detail the diversion of N993 million and N90 million over various periods from 2015 to 2021. Notably, counts 14 and 15 of the indictment allege that he misappropriated N23 million and N761.3 million between October 2016 and January 2018.

Ishaku served as governor from 2015 to 2023, and his tenure has been the subject of scrutiny. In July 2023, the EFCC had previously invited him for questioning regarding financial irregularities from his administration, after which he was released on bail. The current charges mark a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into his financial dealings during his time in office.