BREAKING: Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar N100m Bail

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 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 sum.

Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the bail on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

Umar was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office by conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the CCT and Chairman of the tribunal’s Tender Board.

At the resumed hearing, Umar’s counsel, Sunday Edward, urged the court to admit his client to bail, relying on Section 36(5) of the Constitution and Sections 162 and 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), pending the determination of the case.

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

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail could only be denied where there is credible evidence that a defendant is likely to commit another offence, evade trial or interfere with witnesses.

The judge observed that Umar no longer occupies a position that could enable him to intimidate witnesses and noted that the prosecution failed to provide convincing evidence that he would abscond or obstruct the course of justice.

He ruled that it would be improper to deny bail based on unsubstantiated fears.

Consequently, the court admitted Umar to bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must own a property within the jurisdiction of the court.

The case was adjourned until October 29 for the commencement of trial.