The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, who is facing corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Peter Kekemeke admitted the former CCT boss to bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety who must own a verifiable property within Abuja.
In his ruling, the judge dismissed the EFCC’s objection to the bail application, holding that the anti-graft agency failed to present compelling reasons to justify Umar’s continued detention.
The court noted that Umar had cooperated with investigators throughout the year-long investigation, honoured the EFCC’s invitations, and did not abscond after being granted administrative bail.
Justice Kekemeke stressed that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that bail cannot be denied without credible evidence that the accused is likely to interfere with witnesses, tamper with evidence, or evade trial.
Umar is being prosecuted over allegations that he received unlawful gratification from contractors handling projects at the Code of Conduct Tribunal while serving as its chairman.
According to the EFCC, contractors allegedly transferred millions of naira into the bank account of Umar’s wife and also paid over ₦4 million in school fees for his children at Baze University.
The commission further alleged that the transactions were linked to contracts awarded by the tribunal.
Although the alleged gratification totals about ₦15 million, the court fixed bail at ₦100 million.
The EFCC had arraigned Umar on July 9, where he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, he was remanded pending the determination of his bail application.
The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and expressing concerns that the former tribunal chairman could influence witnesses, many of whom reportedly worked under him.
However, the court ruled that those concerns were not sufficiently substantiated and admitted the defendant to bail.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29 for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC maintains that Umar’s actions contravened provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, which prohibits public officials from using their positions to confer undue benefits on themselves or members of their families.
If convicted, the offence carries a prison term of up to seven years.
