Crime

Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku Arrested for Alleged ₦27 Billion Fraud

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 28th, 2024.

Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku Arrested for Alleged ₦27 Billion Fraud

Darius Dickson Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of involvement in a ₦27 billion fraud scheme, according to reports from News360 Nigeria.

Sources indicate that Ishaku will face 15 charges, which include criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds. This arrest is part of the EFCC’s broader initiative to tackle corruption and enhance accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.

The allegations stem from activities during Ishaku’s time in office, from 2015 to 2021, and involve funds linked to both the Taraba State Government and local councils. Notably, he is accused of misappropriating ₦1.01 billion from the contingency fund of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between August 2015 and March 2016.

Further allegations include the diversion of ₦1.138 billion from the same fund between July 2015 and May 2019, along with ₦193 million taken from the Donga Local Government Council. Other charges detail breaches of trust involving ₦650 million from Gassol, ₦170 million from Gashaka, and ₦201 million from Ardo Kola Local Government Councils.

Ishaku is also accused of misusing ₦3.348 billion from local government funds for personal purposes and diverting ₦639 million for his benefit. Additional allegations involve purchasing a duplex in Abuja with ₦23 million from state funds and using ₦761 million to settle a loan for his construction company.

Dele Oyewale, a spokesman for the EFCC, confirmed Ishaku’s arrest but did not provide further details. The case is set to move forward in court, where Ishaku will face serious consequences if found guilty of the charges.

According to the charge sheet, Ishaku’s actions represent significant breaches of trust while in office, with specific legal references outlining the gravity of the alleged offenses.