By: Bayero Ade
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has authorized former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, to travel abroad for medical treatment, following his ongoing trial for alleged involvement in a N27 billion money laundering scheme.
According to Vanguard, Justice Sylvanus Oriji granted the request on Wednesday, permitting Ishaku to visit Arjam, United Arab Emirates, for a routine health check-up. Ishaku’s legal team, led by Mr. Paul Ogbole, SAN, presented the application citing his deteriorating health as the reason for the trip, in accordance with Sections 6(6) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Despite opposition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who raised concerns over the unspecified duration of Ishaku’s stay in the UAE, the court ruled in favor of the former governor. Justice Oriji emphasized that Ishaku had met the necessary bail conditions, which required his approval before traveling abroad.
Ishaku’s trial, which is scheduled to resume on March 17, 2025, includes charges of money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy related to the alleged diversion of public funds. During the trial, the EFCC’s fifth witness, Ismail Lawal, testified about receiving cash payments from various sources on Ishaku’s instructions, detailing payments to the governor’s personal staff and utilities for his properties.
The court had previously granted Ishaku bail, set at N150 million, pending the continuation of his trial.
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