Witness Claims Funds From Taraba LGs, Others Ordered by Ex-Governor's Co-Defendant
Testimony of Prosecution Witnesses Unveils Alleged Fraud Scheme Involving Former Governor and Co-Defendant
The testimony of the prosecution witnesses has significantly advanced the narrative in the ongoing trial of former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Yero. The case centers on allegations of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and fraudulent conversion of N27 billion belonging to the state government.
The first prosecution witness, Ismail Lawal, who previously served as the personal assistant to the former governor, provided detailed accounts of how he received and distributed funds on behalf of Mr. Ishaku. His testimony, which began in January and spanned several months, revealed a complex network of financial transactions involving multiple individuals and entities.
Second Prosecution Witness Shares Financial Details
The second prosecution witness, Prince Onwuzunike, presented further evidence that reinforced the prosecution's case. He described receiving substantial sums of money ranging from N20 million to N100 million through his bank accounts, including Zenith and Access Bank. These funds were allegedly sent by various local governments in Taraba State, such as Ardo Kola, Gasol, and Yorro, as well as by individuals like Taiwo Jones and P3 Cornerstone.
Mr. Onwuzunike stated that he had a close personal relationship with Bello Yero, the co-defendant, and that their connection was likened to that of a father and son. He explained that after receiving a call from Mr. Yero instructing him to expect a transfer from Taiwo Jones, he promptly informed Mr. Yero of the transaction. Subsequently, he was directed to deliver the money to Mr. Ismail Lawal at the Taraba State Government Lodge in Asokoro.
Regular Transactions Between 2019 and 2020
The witness emphasized that these transactions were regular and occurred between 2019 and 2020. He also noted that he later discovered that P3 Cornerstone was owned by Taiwo Jones. Despite not knowing the source of the funds, Mr. Onwuzunike maintained that the transfers were routine and conducted under the instructions of Mr. Yero.
In addition to the funds from Taiwo Jones and P3 Cornerstone, Mr. Onwuzunike mentioned receiving money from several local governments in Taraba State. He consistently withdrew the funds and handed them over to Mr. Lawal, who was known for distributing the money according to the direction of the former governor.
First Prosecution Witness Details Funds Received and Distributed
Mr. Onwuzunike urged the prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, to review his account statements, which had been submitted as exhibits, to confirm some of the transactions. Following this, the court adjourned until 14 January 2026 for further proceedings.
The first prosecution witness, Mr. Lawal, had previously testified about the funds he received and distributed on behalf of Mr. Ishaku. He recounted receiving N10 million on 13 December 2020 and N15 million on 12 January 2021. Additionally, he admitted collecting N50 million from Mr. Yero on 20 December 2020, N30 million on 12 January 2021, and N20 million on 27 January 2021.
Mr. Lawal also disclosed receiving money from Emmanuel Ifun, a Director of Finance at the Government House. He detailed multiple transactions from Mr. Ifun, including N7 million on 11 December 2020, N4 million on 30 January 2021, N20 million on 3 February 2021, and several other amounts up to N14 million on 10 February 2021.
Cross-Examination Reveals Further Details
During cross-examination, Mr. Lawal provided insights into the purposes of the transfers recorded in his notebook. He mentioned that some funds were used for security, while others were allocated to various beneficiaries. The notebook, which was admitted as an exhibit, contained details of transfers to entities such as the State Security Service (SSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Inspector General of Police.
Mr. Lawal confirmed that his bank statements and personal records did not include the name of the former governor but instead featured the name of his company, Worthy Construction Limited.
Ongoing Trial and Legal Proceedings
The trial, which has seen the presentation of extensive evidence from multiple prosecution witnesses, continues to unfold. The EFCC is prosecuting Mr. Ishaku and Mr. Yero on 15 counts related to the alleged misappropriation of N27 billion from Taraba State’s contingency funds. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for a lengthy legal battle.
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