The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, was stalled on Tuesday at an Abuja High Court following the absence of his co-defendant, Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Ishaku and Yero with criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing, Yero’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), apologised to the court for his client’s absence, taking full responsibility for the situation. He explained that since the commencement of the trial, Yero had consistently been present in court.
Adedipe told the court that he had mistakenly believed the matter was not scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, which prevented him from mobilising his client in time. He added that once he realised the case was proceeding, he immediately contacted Yero, who was in Adamawa State, instructing him to travel to Abuja on the earliest available flight.
The senior advocate requested a stand-down of the matter until 1 p.m., informing the court that Yero was already at the Yola airport en route to Abuja.
Responding, counsel for Ishaku, Chris Umar (SAN), said he would ordinarily not oppose the application but noted that the former governor was unwell and had a medical appointment scheduled after the court session.
The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, opposed the request for a stand-down, stating that the prosecution was constrained, as its witnesses were already present in court. However, he acknowledged that Yero had always attended previous court sittings and urged the court to grant the application.
In his ruling, Justice Sylvanus Oriji noted from court records that Yero had been consistent in attending proceedings. However, considering uncertainties in the aviation sector, the judge held that it would be more appropriate to adjourn the case rather than stand it down.
Justice Oriji consequently adjourned the matter until February 9 for the continuation of evidence by the second prosecution witness.