Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar ₦100 Million Bail in EFCC Corruption Case

Former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, has secured bail after a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama ruled that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient grounds to keep him in custody pending trial.

Justice Peter Kekemeke granted Umar bail on Wednesday in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in the same amount, setting the stage for the high-profile corruption trial to continue later this year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Umar on July 9 on a four-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office. The anti-graft agency accused the former CCT chairman of conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the tribunal and head of its tender board.

During the hearing, Umar’s lawyer, Sunday Edward, urged the court to grant bail, relying on constitutional provisions that presume an accused person innocent until proven guilty. He also cited relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in support of the application.

The prosecution, led by Christopher Mshelia, opposed the request, asking the court to deny bail and instead order an accelerated hearing of the case.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail should not be refused without credible evidence that an accused person poses a flight risk, could interfere with witnesses, or is likely to commit another offence. He noted that Umar no longer occupies a public office that would enable him to influence witnesses.

The judge further ruled that the prosecution failed to present convincing evidence that the former tribunal chairman would evade trial or obstruct the judicial process. He stressed that courts should not deny bail based on mere assumptions or unsubstantiated claims.

As part of the bail conditions, Umar must provide one surety with a property located within the court’s jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned until October 29 for the commencement of trial.