Alleged N27bn fraud: Court grants ex-Gov Ishaku permission to travel abroad for medical check-up

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday granted the former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his routine medical check-up.

The judge granted the leave following a motion filed by the ex-governor’s counsel, Paul Ogbole (SAN).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ishaku alongside a former permanent secretary, Bthe ureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, on a 15-count charge of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds to the tune of N27 billion.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Ogbole had in his presentation told the court that his client’s health had deteriorated.

READ ALSO: Alleged N27bn fraud: Witness tells court ex-Gov Ishaku gave him $5,000 to hide from EFCC

However, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said the defendant did not specify the duration of his stay in UAE, adding that this should be supplied to the court.

In his brief ruling, Justice Oriji held that part of the bail conditions granted to the former governor on October 3, 2024, was that he must not travel out of the country without first applying for the leave of court.

He, therefore, granted the defendant permission to travel out of the country.

The judge adjourned the case to March 17 for the continuation of hearing.

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