(Danladi Umar. Photo Credit: Ripples Nigeria)
A Federal Capital Territory Court sitting in Maitama has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
It will be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Umar on July 9 on a four-count charge alleging that he conferred undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the CCT and Chairman of the CCT tender board.
During proceedings on Wednesday, counsel to the defendant, Sunday Edward, urged the court to admit his client to bail in accordance with Section 36(5) of the Constitution and Sections 162 and 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), pending determination of the suit.
Prosecuting counsel, Christopher Mshelia, however opposed the application, urging the court to deny bail and instead order an accelerated hearing.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that bail cannot be denied except where there is reasonable belief that the defendant would commit another offence if released.
The judge further outlined other grounds on which bail could be refused, including if the defendant attempts to evade trial or intimidate witnesses.
According to him, the defendant is no longer in a position to intimidate witnesses, and the prosecution had failed to produce strong evidence suggesting he would jump bail or interfere with witnesses. He noted that it would be wrong to deny bail based on an unsubstantiated belief.
Umar was consequently admitted to bail in the sum of N100 million, with one surety in like sum, who must own property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The matter was thereafter adjourned until October 29 for trial.