Alleged N27bn Fraud: Ex- Gov Ishaku Says Only TarabaGovernment Can Prosecute Him Not EFCC

The immediate past governor of Taraba, Darius Dickson Ishakuhave objected to his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N27 billion fraud.

 

The objection was made on behalf of the Federal Government before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

The former governor was arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, on a 15-count charge of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

 

On October 3, former Governor Ishaku was granted bail in the sum of N150 million with two sureties, who must be responsible citizens, one of whom must be a director in the federal civil service, while the other must be a resident of the FCT, each in like sum.

 

In his preliminary objection, Ishaku argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case brought by the EFCC.

 

According to his defense, the charges relate to the finances and assets of the Taraba State government, and the power to investigate and prosecute such offenses exclusively rests with the state government or the state's Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. He argued that the EFCC does not have the legal authority to institute charges in this matter.

 

Through his counsel, P.H. Ogbole SAN, Ishaku filed a notice of preliminary objection, marked M/14637/24, stating that the EFCC had no legal power or capacity to initiate the prosecution.

 

He further asserted that since the charges relate solely to the finances of Taraba State, the exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute anyone in respect of them lies with the state government and cannot be usurped by the EFCC or any other entity.

 

Ishaku has therefore sought an order for the suit to be struck out or dismissed.

 

Justice Oriji has scheduled Wednesday, November 13, to hear the defendant's preliminary objection.