\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the allegations.\n<\/p>\n
When proceedings resumed, Yero\u2019s legal representative, Adeola Adedipe SAN, addressed the court to apologise for his client\u2019s absence, taking full responsibility for the situation.\n<\/p>\n
He noted that Yero has consistently been present for previous hearings but said he had mistakenly believed that the court had vacated the day\u2019s sitting.<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
Adedipe requested that the court temporarily stand down the matter until 1 pm to allow Yero to arrive. <\/p>\n
In response, Chris Umar SAN, counsel to Ishaku, said that while he would ordinarily not oppose the application, the former governor\u2019s health posed a consideration, as he was scheduled to see a doctor following court proceedings.\n<\/p>\n
Oluwaleke Atolagbe, representing the prosecution, expressed reservations about the stand-down request, noting that witnesses were already in court.\n<\/p>\n
However, he confirmed that Yero had consistently attended all previous hearings, emphasising that the prosecution was constrained but willing to allow some flexibility.<\/p>\n
Presiding Justice Sylvanus Oriji reviewed the court records and acknowledged Yero\u2019s prior regular attendance.\n<\/p>\n
He noted the unpredictability of air travel, suggesting that rather than a temporary stand-down, the court would adjourn the matter.\n<\/p>\n
Consequently, the trial was rescheduled for February 9 to continue with the evidence of the second prosecution witness.<\/p>\n
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