Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Danladi Umar, the former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count corruption charge.
Details of the charges
The EFCC accused Mr Umar of using his wife's bank account to collect N5.5 million in 2021 from a contractor hired to paint the CCT headquarters in Abuja. Additionally, on 25 January 2024, he allegedly used the same account to receive N6 million from a contractor who handled the digitisation of the CCT's records. The anti-graft agency further alleged that Mr Umar directed another contractor to pay N2.43 million for his daughter's tuition fee at Baze University, Abuja. The total amount involved is N13.93 million.
Legal proceedings
Mr Umar pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. EFCC counsel Christopher Mshelia requested the court to remand the defendant and set a trial date. In response, defence counsel Sunday Edward urged the court to grant Mr Umar bail pending the determination of the case.
Bail hearing adjourned
Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case until 15 July for the hearing of the bail application. The judge did not specify the correctional facility where Mr Umar will be held pending the bail hearing.
