EFCC Trial: Witness Details Alleged Cash Transfers Linked to ₦27bn Taraba Funds

EFCC Trial: Witness Details Alleged Cash Transfers Linked to ₦27bn Taraba Funds

The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, and former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, continued on Monday, June 15, 2026, before Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with the third prosecution witness giving detailed testimony on alleged movement of public funds.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ishaku and Yero on a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and alleged conversion of public funds totalling ₦27 billion.

Testifying as PW3, Taiwo Johns told the court that funds allocated to local governments in Taraba State were allegedly routed into his personal bank account, following instructions reportedly issued by senior officials within the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

According to him, he was directed by officials, including the former Permanent Secretary and other senior officers, to receive the funds and await further instructions on disbursement. He added that he frequently withdrew the money in cash or transferred it to accounts as directed.

Johns further informed the court that he used his company account, P3 International Account, originally for farming business purposes before joining the civil service as an assistant cashier.

He stated that he acted on directives allegedly issued by John Columba (Chief Cashier), Babangida Hassan (Director of Finance), and Bello Yero (Permanent Secretary), explaining that funds were sometimes sent directly to his account with instructions on further transfers.

Under cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness detailed several transactions, including payments made to another prosecution witness, Prince Onwuzuruike, on multiple occasions in 2017 and 2018. He also described instances where millions of naira were transferred or withdrawn in cash following official instructions.

He told the court that on some occasions, he was provided account details for onward payments, while at other times, cash was physically collected and handed over to designated individuals.

Justice Oriji adjourned the matter to July 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.

EFCC Trial: Witness Details Alleged Cash Transfers Linked to ₦27bn Taraba Funds