The Abuja High Court has adjourned the trial of former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, on charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust, until June 2.
Ishaku faces a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and the alleged diversion of N27 billion in public funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting for the federal government, is prosecuting Ishaku alongside Bello Yero, a former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At Monday’s proceedings, while Ishaku, Yero, and their legal representatives were present, James Shaba appeared for the prosecution and informed the court that lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was attending to another case at the Court of Appeal.
Shaba requested that the court stand the matter down for an hour to await Jacobs’ arrival.
However, Ishaku’s counsel, Eko Eko (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that his client’s fragile health condition and recent bereavement made it inappropriate to prolong his court appearance.
Eko urged the court to instead grant an adjournment to a new date.
Adeola Adedipe (SAN), representing the second defendant, supported the objection, emphasizing that a firm adjournment would be preferable.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, after considering the arguments, adjourned the matter to June 2, June 11, and July 2 for continuation of trial.