Crime
Former Taraba Gov, Ex-Perm Sec Remanded Over Alleged N27bn Fraud
Former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, and the ex-Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, have been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following allegations of misappropriating N27 billion in public funds.
The duo appeared before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, where they were arraigned on charges of diverting funds belonging to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
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According to the EFCC, the pair allegedly funneled N1.01 billion to their personal accounts between August 25, 2015, and March 21, 2016.
The amount is said to be part of a 2.5% contingency fund allocated to the Bureau.
In addition to the N1.01 billion, the EFCC accused Ishaku and Yero of illegally diverting other sums, including N650.7 million, N193 million, and N170.5 million, between January 2019 and April 2021.
The charges, which are based on violations of Section 315 of the Penal Code A, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2007, carry serious penalties for criminal breach of trust.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, called for a speedy trial and requested a formal trial date.
Meanwhile, defense counsel Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN, and Oluwa Damilola Kayode submitted oral applications for bail on behalf of their clients, which Jacobs opposed, demanding formal written applications.
The presiding judge adjourned the case to October 3, 2024, for a hearing on the bail applications and ordered that the accused remain in EFCC custody.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the substantial amount of public funds involved. Further developments are expected as the trial progresses.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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