By Opeyemi Adelakun
A former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, has been granted N100 million bail by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Peter Kekemeke admitted Umar to bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum, who must possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The former CCT chairman was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on allegations that he conferred undue advantage on himself while serving as chairman of the tribunal. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
At the hearing, defence counsel urged the court to grant Umar bail on liberal terms, arguing that he had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and had consistently honoured the commission’s invitations throughout its investigation.
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.
However, Justice Kekemeke held that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient grounds to deny the defendant bail, ruling that there was no convincing evidence that Umar would abscond or interfere with witnesses.
The judge consequently granted the bail application and adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for further hearing.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Umar is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
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