Darius Ishaku, former governor of Taraba State.
The trial of Darius Ishaku, former Taraba State Governor, was on Wednesday stalled at an Abuja High Court following the nonappearance of Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Ishaku and Yero are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
When proceedings resumed, Yero’s legal representative, Adeola Adedipe SAN, addressed the court to apologise for his client’s absence, taking full responsibility for the situation.
He noted that Yero has consistently been present for previous hearings but said he had mistakenly believed that the court had vacated the day’s sitting.
Upon realising the matter was scheduled to proceed, Adedipe contacted Yero, who was in Adamawa, instructing him to board the first available flight to Abuja.
Adedipe requested that the court temporarily stand down the matter until 1 pm to allow Yero to arrive.
In response, Chris Umar SAN, counsel to Ishaku, said that while he would ordinarily not oppose the application, the former governor’s health posed a consideration, as he was scheduled to see a doctor following court proceedings.
Oluwaleke Atolagbe, representing the prosecution, expressed reservations about the stand-down request, noting that witnesses were already in court.
However, he confirmed that Yero had consistently attended all previous hearings, emphasising that the prosecution was constrained but willing to allow some flexibility.
Presiding Justice Sylvanus Oriji reviewed the court records and acknowledged Yero’s prior regular attendance.
He noted the unpredictability of air travel, suggesting that rather than a temporary stand-down, the court would adjourn the matter.
Consequently, the trial was rescheduled for February 9 to continue with the evidence of the second prosecution witness.
