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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama yesterday ordered the remand of former Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman, Danladi Umar, in Kuje Correctional Centre, following his arraignment on a four-count corruption charge.
Justice Peter Kekemeke gave the order after the Federal Government arraigned Umar on allegations bordering on abuse of office.
According to the prosecution, investigations showed that Umar conferred undue advantage on himself while serving as CCT chairman.
He was accused of using his wife’s bank account in 2021 to receive N5.5 million from a contractor hired to paint the CCT’s Abuja headquarters, and again on January 25, 2024, to collect N6 million from a contractor handling the digitisation of the tribunal’s records.
He was further accused of directing a separate contractor to pay N2.43 million towards his daughter’s tuition at Baze University, Abuja.
The alleged offences are punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Umar pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
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Prosecution counsel, Christopher Mshelia, applied for his remand pending trial and urged the court to fix a trial date.
His defence team countered with a bail application, but the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed immediate consideration, telling the court it had only just been served the application and needed time to respond.
Justice Kekemeke adjourned the matter to July 15 for hearing of the bail application.
Umar’s tenure as CCT chairman was previously marked by controversy.
On January 23, 2019, he issued an ex parte order that led to the removal of then-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.
Following the order, late President Muhammadu Buhari swore in Justice Tanko Muhammad as Acting CJN two days later.
Although Onnoghen voluntarily resigned on April 4, 2019, Umar proceeded to convict him on April 18 that year over an asset-declaration charge.
