Former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, has secured bail in the sum of N100 million after appearing before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged corruption.
Justice Peter Kekemeke, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, ordered Umar to produce one surety with landed property covered by a valid Certificate of Occupancy. The judge also directed that he remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fulfilled.
The case was adjourned until October 29, 2026, when trial is expected to begin.
Umar is standing trial on four counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accuses him of abusing his office to obtain financial benefits while serving as CCT chairman. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
His lawyer, Sunday Edward, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that Umar had previously been released on administrative bail by the EFCC and had complied with all the agency’s conditions. He also maintained that his client honoured every invitation extended to him during the investigation.
The prosecution, represented by Christopher Mshelia, opposed the application, insisting that Umar could evade trial or influence witnesses if released.
Justice Kekemeke, however, held that the EFCC failed to provide convincing evidence that the former tribunal chairman posed such a risk and consequently granted the bail request.
The anti-graft agency alleges that Umar improperly benefited from contracts awarded during his tenure by directing contractors to make payments to members of his family.
Among the allegations are claims that a subcontractor paid N5.5 million to Umar’s wife in 2021 over a painting contract at the tribunal’s headquarters, while another company linked to a digitalisation project allegedly transferred N6 million to her in 2024.
The EFCC further accused Umar of causing the same company to pay N2,043,916.88 each for the tuition of his son and daughter at Baze University, alleging that the payments amounted to conferring corrupt and unfair advantage on himself under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
