Darius Ishaku’s N27bn Fraud Trial: Witness Reveals How Funds Were Collected and Disbursed on His Instructions

The trial of former Taraba State governor Darius Ishaku, charged with embezzling N27 billion, took a significant turn on September 30, 2025, as the first prosecution witness, Ismail Lawal, detailed how he received and disbursed colossal sums of money on Ishaku’s directive. The proceedings are ongoing at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

Allegations and Charges

Ishaku, alongside a former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, faces a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds. The EFCC alleges that they diverted public funds totaling N27 billion during Ishaku’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2019 .

Court Proceedings and Witness Testimony

During the court session, PW1 Lawal, a former Personal Assistant to Ishaku, testified that he received instructions—sometimes verbal, sometimes via text or written notes—to handle large sums of cash. While under cross-examination, Lawal admitted he was unsure of the exact total amount collected but confirmed that he disbursed funds as instructed, which he recorded meticulously in a personal notebook .

He narrated that he received and disbursed money from various sources, including government officials and liaison officers. Notable among these was N10 million from a liaison officer on December 13, 2020, and multiple amounts from the Permanent Secretary and Emmanuel Ifun, the Director of Finance, on different dates in 2020 and 2021. Lawal’s records indicate he received sums ranging from N4 million to N50 million and disbursed them accordingly .

ADVERTISEMENT

Evidence and Legal Proceedings

The court admitted Lawal’s statement into evidence despite objections from Ishaku’s counsel, citing concerns about the absence of a legal representative during statement collection and possible coercion. The trial has been adjourned to October 20 and November 4, 2025, to continue with further proceedings, including bail applications .

Public and Legal Reactions

The case has garnered significant attention, with disclosures revealing how funds meant for public use were allegedly diverted by high-ranking officials, raising questions about governance and accountability in Taraba State during Ishaku’s administration. The EFCC is determined to pursue the case fervently, emphasizing the gravity of the charges involving such a colossal amount of public funds .

The trial remains ongoing as Lawal’s testimony provides crucial insight into the alleged mechanisms through which Ishaku and his associates diverted public funds. The court continues its proceedings with further hearings scheduled for October and November 2025, as more evidence and testimonies are expected to unfold.