Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar N100m Bail In EFCC Trial

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like amount.

Umar is facing a four-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that he conferred an undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the CCT and as Chairman of the tribunal’s tender board.

The former CCT chairman was arraigned by the anti-graft agency on July 9.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, defense counsel, Sunday Edward, urged the court to admit his client to bail in accordance with Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 162 and 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the EFCC, Christopher Mshelia, opposed the application, asking the court to refuse bail and instead order an accelerated hearing of the case.

In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that bail should not be denied except where there is credible evidence that the defendant is likely to commit another offence, evade trial or interfere with witnesses.

The judge noted that Umar no longer occupies a position where he could intimidate witnesses and ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence that he would abscond or obstruct the trial.

Justice Kekemeke added that it would be wrong to deny bail based on unsubstantiated assumptions.

The court subsequently admitted Umar to bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like amount. The surety is required to own property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned until October 29 for trial.