A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in the sum of ₦100m over alleged abuse of office.
Justice Peter Kekemeke, who delivered a brief ruling ordered Umar to produce one surety in like sum. The surety must possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The former CCT chairman is facing a four-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused him of conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as chairman of the tribunal.
When the charges were read, Umar pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
During the bail hearing, Umar’s counsel urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms, arguing that he had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and never violated its conditions.
The defence also told the court that Umar consistently honoured all invitations extended to him by the anti-graft agency throughout the investigation.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, contending that Umar was a flight risk and could interfere with prosecution witnesses, some of whom served under him during his tenure as CCT chairman.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the EFCC failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that the defendant was likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
The court consequently granted the bail application and adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for further hearing.
Pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions, Umar is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
(The Whistler)
