Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted bail to former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, in connection with an alleged ₦27 billion fraud case.
Ishaku, who served as governor from May 2015 to May 2023, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the court in Abuja.
The bail was set at ₦150 million, with two sureties required in the same amount. The court stipulated that the sureties must be residents of the Federal Capital Territory, and one must hold a director-level position within the Federal Civil Service. The house addresses of the sureties will be verified by the court registrar.
Additionally, the court barred Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Hero, from leaving the country without express permission from the court.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs did not oppose the bail application, noting that Ishaku had been granted administrative bail previously and had not violated its terms.
Justice Oriji has set November 4, 5, and 13 as the dates for the commencement of the trial.
Darius Ishaku, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), completed his two-term tenure as governor of Taraba State earlier this year.
His case is part of a broader anti-corruption effort led by the EFCC. The upcoming trial will further address the allegations surrounding the misappropriation of ₦27 billion during his time in office.
(Channels)
