The FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday granted bail to former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, who faces charges of receiving gratification from tribunal contractors while in office. Justice Peter Kekemeke set bail at N100 million with one surety who must provide proof of property in Abuja.
Bail Granted Over Prosecution Objections
The judge overruled objections from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that the commission “did not produce strong reasons why bail should not be granted” to Umar. Although the EFCC charged Umar with fraud involving N15 million, the court set bail at N100 million.
Umar was arraigned on 9 July for allegedly receiving gratification from contractors who worked on CCT projects. The EFCC claimed contractors sent money to Umar’s wife and paid school fees for his children at Baze University. Umar denied the allegations, leading to his remand pending the bail hearing.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
During the bail hearing, Umar’s lawyer, Edward Sunday, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that Umar cooperated with the EFCC during its year-long investigation and always honoured invitations. He also noted that Umar did not jump administrative bail granted by the EFCC.
EFCC lawyer Christopher Mshelia opposed bail, citing the gravity of the offence, potential punishment upon conviction, and the nature of evidence. He argued that witnesses worked under Umar, creating a likelihood of interference. However, when the judge asked whether Umar fled or absconded during the investigation, Mshelia replied, “No.” He explained that the circumstances differed because there was no certainty the investigation would lead to charges.
Court’s Reasoning and Adjournment
The judge noted that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty and that bail is a right unless the prosecution proves the defendant would interfere with evidence, commit another crime, intimidate witnesses, or conceal or destroy evidence. Since the prosecution failed to provide strong reasons against bail, the application was granted. The case was adjourned until 29 October for trial commencement.
Details of the Charges
According to the EFCC, Umar received gratification from contractors working on CCT projects. Kurchmives International Limited, a subcontractor under a contract awarded to Momanaf Global Ventures Limited for painting the CCT headquarters, sent N5 million to Umar’s wife, Zulaihatu Umar’s Zenith Bank account. Portal Realities Limited, a sister company of JTF Global Links Limited awarded the contract for digitalising CCT management records, allegedly sent N6 million to Mrs Umar’s account. Additionally, Portal Realities Limited paid over N4 million for school fees for Umar’s children, Faiza and Yakubu, at Baze University.
The EFCC stated that these actions violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which criminalises public officers using their office to confer undue advantage on themselves, friends, or family. The offence carries a seven-year prison sentence upon conviction. Umar denied all charges.
