Abuja, November 13, 2024 — Former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, and former Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, have encountered a setback in their efforts to challenge the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, over their trial. Justice S.C. Oriji ruled on Wednesday that the court would defer ruling on the preliminary objection they raised, arguing the case should not be heard in Abuja, until the trial’s conclusion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ishaku and Yero on a 15-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and misappropriation of N27 billion in public funds. Both defendants contended that the court in Abuja lacks jurisdiction, as the alleged offences occurred in Taraba, not the capital.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, argued in opposition, maintaining that the court holds jurisdiction over the matter. Jacobs referenced the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, urging the court to proceed and dismiss the defence’s application.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji cited Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which mandates that jurisdictional objections be addressed at judgment. Justice Oriji ordered, “The ruling on the preliminary objections of the defendants shall be delivered at the time of delivery of judgment at the end of the trial.”
The trial is scheduled to continue on January 21, 28, and 29, 2025.
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