A prosecution witness, Taiwo Jones, has told an Abuja High Court that about N1.8 billion belonging to Taraba local governments was transferred into the account of his private company during the administration of former Governor Darius Ishaku.
Jones, who served as an assistant cashier at the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this on Monday while testifying in the ongoing trial of Ishaku and a former Permanent Secretary of the bureau, Bello Yero.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the duo over alleged criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and diversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While being led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the witness said his company received 69 separate payments from Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Asked about the total value of the transactions, Jones estimated that the amount was between N1.7 billion and N1.8 billion.
He told the court that the transfers were made based on instructions from Yero, the Permanent Secretary, and the Director of Finance.
“I would notify them whenever the money entered my account, and they would direct me to either transfer it to Prince in Abuja or withdraw part of it,” he said.
Jones added that after withdrawing the money, it was handed over to Dare Lawal, the first prosecution witness, and others for confirmation.
When Justice Sylvanus Oriji asked him to identify the people he referred to as “they”, the witness mentioned Yero, the driver and Lawal.
The witness further stated that Yero sometimes transported the cash to the Taraba Government House.
“I know this because I sometimes drove the Permanent Secretary to the Government House with the money kept inside Ghana-must-go bags,” he said.
The EFCC counsel also questioned him about a N100 million payment made into P3 Cornerstone’s account through an electronic payment advice dated December 24, 2018.
Jones explained that the transaction was initiated by the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and approved by two authorised signatories.
According to him, the payment was described as being for the purchase of assorted grains meant for distribution during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
However, he told the court that the money was not used for that purpose.
“The money was not spent on buying assorted grains. Instead, I withdrew it and handed it over to Lawal,” he said.
The witness also disclosed that he received N30 million from Donga Local Government Area’s salary transmission account.
Justice Oriji adjourned the matter until Tuesday for continuation of trial.