A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday has granted an ex-governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, a N150 million bail over alleged N27 billion fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The presiding judge, Justice Sylvanus Oriji stated that Ishaku must provide two sureties in like sum which must both be residents in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, adding that their house addresses has to be verified by the registrar of the court and one of the sureties must be a director with the Federal Civil Service.
Justice Oriji also barred Ishaku and his co-defendant, Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary, from travelling out of Nigeria without the permission of the court.
Ishaku left office in May 2023 following his tenure as governor for eight years under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Upon his tenure expiration, the EFCC charged him and his co-defendant with 15-count charges bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal conversion of public funds, however, the duo pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Monday and also requested for bail, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Justice Oriji scheduled the commencement of their trial for November 4, 5 and 13.