An official of the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taiwo Johns, has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court how ₦1.8 billion allegedly meant for the purchase of Christmas grains was paid into his company’s bank account.
Johns gave the testimony on Monday during the ongoing trial of former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and the state’s former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero.
The two defendants are standing trial on a 15-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds. Both have denied all the charges.
While being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, the witness stated that the funds were transferred into the account of his company, P3 Cornerstone International Nigeria Limited, based on instructions allegedly given by Bello Yero.
According to him, the ₦1.8 billion was moved from the account of Gassol Local Government Area into his company’s account through 69 separate transactions.
He further claimed that the transfers were carried out following directives from Yero, the bureau’s Director of Finance, Babangida Hassan, and the Chief Cashier, John Columba.
Johns told the court that after receiving the funds, he informed the officials, who allegedly instructed him either to transfer part of the money to another individual identified as Prince or withdraw cash for collection.
He added that after making the withdrawals, Dare Lawal would verify the cash before taking it away.
The witness also alleged that Bello Yero personally transported part of the money to the Government House. He said he drove the former permanent secretary there with a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing the cash.
According to Johns, the funds originated from Gassol Local Government’s salary transmission account, which was also used for salary payments, projects, revenue, and other official transactions.
He specifically told the court that ₦100 million was transferred into his company’s account on December 24, 2018, with a payment description indicating it was meant for purchasing assorted grains for Christmas and New Year distribution.
However, Johns admitted that he withdrew the entire ₦100 million in cash and handed it over as instructed without purchasing any grains.
When asked whether any food items were eventually bought with the money, the witness replied that none were purchased.
Following the proceedings, Justice S.C. Oriji adjourned the case until July 14 for the continuation of the trial.
