Courtroom Shock: Ishaku Urged Witness to Avoid EFCC

A witness stunned the courtroom by revealing how former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku allegedly urged him to evade the EFCC.

Ismail Lawal, testifying at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, claimed Ishaku advised him to avoid anti-graft investigators for half a year.

The bombshell testimony came during the N27 billion fraud trial involving Ishaku and ex-permanent secretary Bello Yero.

Lawal explained he planned to honor an EFCC invitation when Ishaku intervened.

“His Excellency told me to stay away for six months,” the witness recounted under cross–examination.

Despite following this advice, authorities eventually arrested Lawal as he prepared to surrender. The witness spent 40 grueling days in detention after failing to meet stringent bail conditions.

During intense questioning, Lawal admitted he had limited knowledge of the financial transactions he facilitated.

He confessed, “I simply followed instructions to move funds between accounts.”

Furthermore, the witness maintained that he would never have participated had he suspected illegal activities.

Defense counsel P.H. Ogbole pressed Lawal about his unawareness of official communications between government offices.

In a surprising twist, Lawal disclosed that he learned about his status as a prosecution witness through media reports.

Consequently, EFCC officials later confirmed his role and questioned him about relevant case documents.

The anti-corruption agency alleges that Ishaku and Yero misappropriated N27 billion in public funds during the governor’s tenure.

Both defendants continue to maintain their innocence.

Justice S.C. Oriji scheduled four additional hearing dates through November 2025 for further cross-examination.

The high-profile case has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s fight against corruption in public office.

Observers note the proceedings could set important precedents for holding officials accountable.

As the trial unfolds, anti-corruption advocates emphasize its significance in restoring public trust.

The dramatic testimony has already exposed troubling allegations about attempts to obstruct justice.

All eyes remain on the courtroom as investigators piece together what happened to the missing billions.

The adjournment gives both legal teams time to prepare their next moves in this complex financial crime case.

Meanwhile, citizens await answers about how such massive funds allegedly disappeared from government coffers.

This trial may ultimately determine whether powerful figures can evade consequences for financial misconduct.

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