A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has ordered the remand of the former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged corruption.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the order on Thursday after the Federal Government arraigned Umar on a four-count charge bordering on abuse of office.
According to the prosecution, Umar allegedly used his position to obtain financial benefits through third parties while serving as CCT chairman. He is accused of collecting N5.5 million in 2021 through his wife’s bank account from a contractor handling painting works at the tribunal’s Abuja headquarters.
He was also alleged to have received N6 million through the same account in January 2024 from another contractor involved in the digitization of CCT records. In addition, the prosecution claimed he directed a contractor to pay N2.43 million for his daughter’s tuition at a private university in Abuja.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Umar pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Christopher Mshelia asked the court to remand him in custody pending trial.
However, Umar’s legal team applied for bail. The prosecution opposed the request, stating it had just received the application and needed time to respond.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the case until July 15 for the hearing of the bail application and ordered Umar’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Umar previously drew national attention in 2019 when he issued an ex parte order that led to the suspension of the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was later removed from office over asset declaration violations.
