Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku Arrested by EFCC for Alleged N27 Billion Fraud

EFCC has arrested Darius Ishaku, former Taraba State Governor, in connection with a multi-billion Naira fraud case. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N27 billion in state funds during his tenure. Darius Ishaku, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, faces serious allegations that have drawn national attention to his administration’s financial dealings.

The EFCC’s charges are centered around accusations that the former governor, Darius Ishaku alongside other accomplices, siphoned off substantial state funds for personal gain. The agency presented its case in a federal high court in Abuja, with a total of 15 charges that outline a web of financial misconduct, raising significant questions about the management of public funds during his administration.

Court Hears 15 Charges, Including N1.1 Billion Diversion

The federal high court in Abuja has formally received details of the 15 charges levied against Darius Ishaku. According to the EFCC, the former governor, Darius Ishaku is accused of improperly taking N1.10 billion between August 25, 2015, and March 21, 2016, a period early in his administration. These allegations form the basis of counts one and two in the charges, with the EFCC asserting that Ishaku, along with his co-defendant Yero, improperly diverted state resources.

The charges continue with counts three and four, which accuse the former governor and Yero of dishonestly diverting another N1.1 billion in state funds for their personal benefit. The EFCC claims these transactions were part of a larger fraudulent scheme designed to funnel state resources into private accounts, violating financial regulations and ethical standards.

N193 Million Allegedly Misappropriated Between 2019 and 2021

One of the most alarming aspects of the charges includes count five, which focuses on the alleged misappropriation of N193 million between January 2019 and April 2021. According to the EFCC, these funds were siphoned off during a period when the state was facing significant financial challenges, adding to the gravity of the charges. The agency argues that this particular instance of financial misconduct demonstrates a sustained pattern of misappropriation throughout Ishaku’s governorship.

Count six further escalates the charges, alleging that N650 million was misappropriated between January 6, 2019, and April 29, 2021. These substantial sums represent a significant portion of state funds that could have been used for developmental projects, leaving the citizens of Taraba State deprived of much-needed resources.

N170 Million Misappropriated for Personal Use, Says EFCC

In count seven, the EFCC accuses Darius Ishaku and his accomplice of misappropriating N170 million for their personal use. The agency claims that the funds were diverted between January 6, 2019, and April 29, 2021, marking yet another instance of alleged financial abuse. This count highlights the personal enrichment at the expense of state funds, contributing to the overall N27 billion fraud scheme.

Moreover, the EFCC has presented further evidence in counts eight and nine, alleging the misappropriation of N201.9 million and N132.1 million, respectively, over the same period. These charges paint a picture of widespread financial mismanagement, with state resources being funneled into private accounts over several years.

Over N3.3 Billion Diverted from July 2019 to February 2021

In counts 10 and 11, the EFCC claims that Darius Ishaku and Yero misappropriated an additional N3.3 billion and N639.4 million between July 19, 2019, and February 5, 2021. These staggering sums further underscore the scale of the alleged fraud, making this one of the most high-profile cases of financial misconduct involving a former state governor. The EFCC asserts that the misappropriation of these funds has left the state in a precarious financial situation, with long-term consequences for the people of Taraba.

Count 12 adds to the allegations, accusing the defendants of misappropriating N993 million between September 30, 2016, and February 23, 2021. This charge points to a recurring pattern of financial misconduct that spans almost the entirety of Ishaku’s time in office.

Final Charges: Ishaku Faces Additional Allegations of N761.3 Million Fraud

In the final two charges, counts 14 and 15, Darius Ishaku is the sole defendant, accused of misappropriating N23 million and N761.3 million between October 2016 and January 2018. These counts bring the total alleged misappropriated amount to N27 billion, reflecting a wide-ranging scheme to divert state funds for personal enrichment. The EFCC is confident that these charges will hold up in court, given the weight of the evidence presented.

The trial is set to continue as more evidence and testimonies are expected to be presented in the coming weeks. If found guilty, Darius Ishaku could face severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment and hefty fines, marking a critical moment in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes.