By John Azu
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in the sum of N100 million over alleged abuse of office.
Justice Peter Kekemeke, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, ordered Umar to produce one surety in like sum, with the surety required to possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Umar was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the CCT.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Umar received N15 million from a contractor awarded the contract to repaint the CCT headquarters, with the payment allegedly made through his wife’s bank account.
The former CCT chairman pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
During the bail hearing, defence counsel urged the court to admit Umar to bail on liberal terms, arguing that he had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and had consistently honoured the commission’s invitations throughout its investigation.
The defence maintained that there was no evidence to suggest that the defendant would evade trial if released on bail.
Counsel to the EFCC opposed the application, contending that Umar posed a flight risk and could interfere with prosecution witnesses, some of whom served under him during his tenure as CCT chairman.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient grounds to show that the defendant was likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
The court subsequently admitted Umar to bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case until October 29 for further hearing.
Pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions, Umar is to remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kuje.