Court grants ex-CCT chairman Danladi Umar N100m bail over corruption charges

A former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, has been granted bail in the sum of N100 million by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

Justice Peter Kekemeke, who presided over the matter on Wednesday, ordered Umar to provide one surety in like sum. The court further ruled that the surety must possess a landed property backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

The judge directed that the former CCT chairman remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfils the bail conditions.

The case was subsequently adjourned until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Umar is standing trial on a four-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused him of using his position to obtain corrupt and unfair advantages for himself and members of his family while in office.

He denied all the allegations and entered a not guilty plea.

During the hearing of the bail application, Umar’s lawyer, Sunday Edward, urged the court to grant bail on favourable terms, arguing that his client had previously enjoyed administrative bail from the EFCC without violating any of its conditions.

The defence also maintained that Umar cooperated fully with investigators and honoured every invitation extended to him by the anti-graft agency during the course of its investigation.

Opposing the request, EFCC counsel Christopher Mshelia contended that the former tribunal chairman posed a flight risk and could potentially influence witnesses, particularly those who worked under him during his tenure.

However, Justice Kekemeke ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims that Umar would evade trial or interfere with witnesses if released on bail.

The charges stem from allegations by the EFCC that Umar directed contractors engaged by the tribunal to make payments to members of his family.

According to the commission, a subcontractor involved in painting the CCT headquarters allegedly paid N5.5 million to Umar’s wife in 2021, while another company linked to a contractor handling a digitalisation project reportedly transferred N6 million to her in 2024.

The anti-graft agency further alleged that the same company paid N2.04 million each as tuition fees for Umar’s son and daughter at Baze University.

The EFCC maintains that the transactions amounted to the conferment of corrupt and unfair advantages on the former CCT chairman, contrary to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Umar was arraigned on July 9 and had remained in custody after being remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.