Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted bail to former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, to the tune of ₦150 million. Ishaku, who is facing allegations of fraud amounting to ₦27 billion, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his co-defendant, Bello Hero.
As part of the bail conditions, Ishaku is required to provide two sureties who must also post the ₦150 million bail. Both sureties must be residents of the Federal Capital Territory, with their addresses verified by the court registrar. Additionally, one of the sureties must hold a directorial position in the Federal Civil Service.
READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku Over Alleged ₦27 Billion Fraud
Justice Oriji also ruled that both the former governor and his co-defendant are prohibited from traveling outside Nigeria unless the court grants permission. Despite the severity of the charges, the EFCC, represented by its counsel Rotimi Jacobs, did not oppose the bail request, citing the fact that Ishaku had previously been granted administrative bail by the anti-corruption agency and had not violated its terms.
With the bail formally granted, Justice Oriji has scheduled November 4, 5, and 13, 2024, for the commencement of the trial, during which Ishaku will answer to the charges of fraud during his tenure as governor.
The court’s decision now sets the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched trial in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.
