The trial of former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku, accused of involvement in an alleged N27 billion fraud, was adjourned by an Abuja High Court on Monday, April 28, 2025. The case has been rescheduled to resume on June 2, with additional sittings slated for June 11 and July 2.
Ishaku and co-defendant Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, face 15 counts including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the resumed hearing, the prosecution requested a short stand-down to allow lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, attending another case at the Court of Appeal, to arrive. However, Ishaku’s lawyer, Eko Eko, SAN, opposed this, citing the former governor’s fragile health and pressing personal matters, including bereavement requiring travel.
Eko urged the court to set firm adjournment dates instead of an indefinite stand-down to avoid unnecessary delays. Co-counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, supported this position.
After considering the submissions, Justice Sylvanius Oriji granted the adjournment and fixed new trial dates in June and July.