The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, on Monday over an alleged N27 billion fraud.
According to EFCC sources on Saturday, Ishaku, who is entitled to administrative bail upon meeting the required conditions, will face charges in court. The sources revealed that the EFCC had conducted a thorough investigation over several years, building a strong case against the former governor.
Ishaku was arrested by EFCC operatives at his Abuja residence on Friday. While Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed the arrest, he declined to provide further details. At the time of this report, the former governor remained in EFCC custody.
The sources also stated that at least 15 charges have been filed against Ishaku, with evidence compiled to support his prosecution. Ishaku, who served as governor of Taraba State for eight years before leaving office in 2023, was apprehended following a covert investigation into allegations of financial misconduct.
One source commented, “Yes, he’s currently in our custody. We’ve been investigating him quietly since he left office. He engaged in significant financial malfeasance.”
Meanwhile, various groups in Taraba State have called for a broader probe into Ishaku’s activities. Alhaji Ardo Jika, a former Nigerian ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, urged the EFCC to investigate beyond the N27 billion fraud, including allegations related to the sale of government vehicles and unjustified state loans. Jika expressed vindication, having previously warned the former governor about reckless spending during his tenure.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), the major opposition party in Taraba State, also called for Ishaku’s proper prosecution, emphasizing that the investigation should go beyond mere detention. “It is disappointing that such allegations are coming from Taraba again. The EFCC must ensure a diligent prosecution,” said Aeron Atimas, the party’s director of publicity. He added that the people of Taraba are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the case.
Additionally, the pressure group Taraba Concerned Citizens (TCC), led by coordinator Mr. Emos Tijani, urged the EFCC to scrutinize funds allocated to the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), citing a lack of oversight during Ishaku’s administration. “We believed those in governorship positions would learn from past mistakes. We at the TCC will closely monitor the prosecution and are ready to highlight other areas the anti-graft commission should investigate,” Tijani said.