The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, was on Tuesday stalled at an Abuja High Court following the absence of a former Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero.
Ishaku and Yero are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and alleged conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion. Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.
At the resumed hearing, Yero was absent from court, prompting his counsel, Mr Adeola Adedipe (SAN), to address the court. Adedipe apologised for his client’s absence and took full responsibility for the development, assuring the court that it was not intended to frustrate the proceedings.
Counsel to the EFCC expressed concern over the absence of the second defendant, urging the court to take appropriate steps to ensure that the trial progresses without unnecessary delays.
The trial judge subsequently noted the explanation offered by Yero’s counsel and adjourned the matter to a later date to enable all parties to be present and for the continuation of hearing.
The case is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to prosecute alleged financial crimes involving public office holders.
