HDHTAN Taraba Leadership Crisis Explodes
Over ₦28 Million Allegedly Diverted
Executives Affirm Acting Chairman, Warn Public Against Dealing With Suspended Leader
EFCC, ICPC Petitioned for Immediate Investigation
Hon. Isa Nawe
JALINGO — The leadership crisis within the Taraba State Chapter of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN) has escalated into a major financial and administrative scandal, with allegations of diversion of funds exceeding ₦28 million and calls for federal anti-corruption agencies to intervene.
What began as an internal dispute has now evolved into a high-stakes confrontation involving allegations of embezzlement, unauthorized revenue collection, printing of questionable receipts, and unilateral control of the Association’s affairs.
Alleged ₦28 Million Diversion and Unaccounted Funds
According to members of the State Executive Council, Mr. Isa Nawe (Limited) allegedly received a transfer of ₦8,000,000 directly into his personal bank account in connection with Association collections.
He is further accused of collecting approximately ₦5,000,000 in cash from one local government area within the State.
In addition, executives allege that ₦15,000,000 was collected from Sardauna Local Government Area.
These figures bring the total amount allegedly diverted to over ₦28 million, excluding other unaccounted sums reportedly collected from additional local government areas through individuals described as close associates.
Executives claim they possess documentary evidence, including bank transfer records bearing Mr. Nawe’s name and copies of receipts allegedly used in the collections.
Alleged Unauthorized Federal Receipts
In what the Executive describes as a grave development, Mr. Nawe is accused of printing and issuing receipts purportedly under Federal Government authority without the approval of the State Executive Council.
These receipts were allegedly used to collect levies from operators across Taraba State, with funds reportedly routed into personal accounts instead of official Association accounts.
The Executive has characterized the receipts as unauthorized and misleading.
Vote of No Confidence and Removal
Following internal concerns and what they describe as repeated refusal to account for funds, the State Executive Council convened a duly constituted meeting on January 2, 2026, and unanimously passed a Vote of No Confidence on Mr. Isa Nawe (Limited).
According to the resolution, he was removed from any authority, recognition, mandate, or capacity to act for or represent HDHTAN within Taraba State.
Council members state that he was granted an opportunity to appear before the Executive and clarify the allegations but allegedly failed to honour the invitation.
Rebuttal to Disclaimer and Affirmation of Acting Chairman
The crisis deepened after a disclaimer surfaced on February 26, 2026, allegedly disowning Prince Andeshatso Ira and labeling him and others as imposters.
In a formal rebuttal issued on February 27, the State Executive Council described the disclaimer as false, malicious, and lacking constitutional backing.
The Executive reaffirmed that Prince Andeshatso Ira remains the duly recognized Acting State Chairman of HDHTAN Taraba State, having been unanimously affirmed following the removal of Mr. Nawe.
The Council insisted that no constitutional disciplinary process was initiated against Prince Ira and maintained that the disclaimer does not represent the lawful structure of the Association.
Public Warning to Government and Stakeholders
The Executive has formally notified government institutions, security agencies, financial institutions, corporate organizations, and transport stakeholders that Mr. Isa Nawe (Limited) no longer has authority to transact, represent, collect funds, issue directives, or act in the name of HDHTAN within Taraba State.
The Council warned that any individual or institution dealing with him in the name of the Association does so strictly at their own risk, and the Association will not be liable for any consequences arising from such dealings.
EFCC and ICPC Petitioned
Given the magnitude of the allegations, the State Executive Council has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to conduct a full and independent investigation into the financial activities of Mr. Nawe and his associates.
They have indicated readiness to submit all documentary evidence in their possession, including bank transaction records and copies of the disputed receipts.
As of press time, Mr. Isa Nawe (Limited) has not publicly responded to the expanded allegations.
With accusations now involving tens of millions of naira and formal calls for federal investigation, observers say the dispute may soon move beyond internal association politics into the domain of regulatory and criminal scrutiny.
The coming days are expected to determine whether the matter will be resolved internally — or proceed to a full-scale anti-corruption investigation.
