Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar ₦100 Million Bail in Corruption Case

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in the sum of ₦100 million as he faces trial over alleged corruption-related offences.

Justice Peter Kekemeke, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, admitted Umar to bail on the condition that he provides one surety in like sum. The court further directed that the surety must own a property within the Federal Capital Territory and demonstrate sufficient means. Umar was also ordered to surrender his international passport and must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission.

The former CCT chairman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as head of the tribunal.

According to the anti-graft agency, Umar allegedly received about ₦15.5 million in kickbacks from contractors handling projects for the tribunal. The EFCC claims that part of the funds was paid into his wife’s bank account, while another contractor allegedly paid his daughter’s tuition fees at Baze University, Abuja. Umar has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the bail hearing, Umar’s legal team urged the court to grant him bail pending the commencement of trial, arguing that there was no evidence he would interfere with witnesses or evade justice. The prosecution opposed the application, but the court held that the EFCC had not presented sufficient grounds to justify denying bail.

Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Umar is to remain in custody.