How ex-Taraba governor diverted N1.8bn Christmas grains fund

A witness in the ongoing trial of former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, has told a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that N1.8 billion meant for the purchase of Christmas grains was diverted into his company’s account.

The witness, Taiwo Johns, an official of the Taraba Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, gave the testimony on Monday while appearing before the court in Abuja.

Ishaku is standing trial alongside Bello Yero, a former permanent secretary in the bureau, on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs, Johns told the court that the funds were paid into the account of his company, P3 Cornerstone International Nigeria Limited, on the directive of Yero.

According to the witness, the N1.8 billion was transferred in 69 transactions from the account of Gassol Local Government Area.

He said the transfers were carried out based on instructions from Yero, Babangida Hassan, the bureau’s director of finance, and John Columba, the chief cashier.

Johns further told the court that after receiving the funds, he was directed to either transfer the money to another individual identified as “Mr Prince” or withdraw cash for onward delivery.

“I reported back that money had entered my account. I was then instructed on what to do — either to send it to Mr Prince or withdraw it. After withdrawal, they would come with Dare Lawal to confirm the money before taking it away,” he said.

The witness added that he personally drove Yero to the government house with a bag containing cash.

He explained that the funds originated from Gassol LGA’s salary account, which is typically used for salaries, projects, and other official expenditures.

Johns also told the court that on December 24, 2018, N100 million was transferred into his company’s account with a narration indicating it was for the purchase of assorted grains for Christmas and New Year distribution.

However, he admitted that no grains were purchased.

“When the N100 million came in, I withdrew it in cash and handed it over as instructed,” he said.

The presiding judge, Justice S.C. Oriji, adjourned the case for continuation of hearing.