The trial of former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, has been adjourned to June 15, 2026, following the withdrawal of legal counsel representing the second defendant in the case.
Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja granted the adjournment on Thursday after Samuel Fagade, counsel to second defendant Bello Yero, announced his immediate withdrawal from the case.
Yero, a former permanent secretary in Taraba State’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is standing trial alongside Ishaku on a 15-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.
Proceedings at the hearing were stalled just as the prosecution was set to continue examination of its third witness, Taiwo Johns. The development followed Fagade’s request to disengage from the case, which the court subsequently approved.
In response, Yero appealed for additional time to secure new legal representation, stating that he currently had no lawyer handling his defence. He requested a four to six-week adjournment to enable him appoint counsel.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, did not oppose the adjournment but raised concerns over the manner of the withdrawal. He argued that the defence counsel failed to comply with the legal requirement of giving at least three days’ notice before stepping down from the case.
Jacobs also challenged Yero’s claim of lacking representation, alleging that a new lawyer had accompanied him to court and initially indicated readiness to appear before withdrawing his name.
The lawyer in question later addressed the court, confirming preliminary discussions with Yero but stating that no formal agreement had been finalised.
Justice Oriji granted the withdrawal application and fixed June 15, alongside additional dates in July, for continuation of the trial.
The case forms part of ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions by the EFCC involving high-profile public officials.
