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.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned Umar on 9th July on a four-count charge of allegedly conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as Chairman of the CCT and Chairman of the CCT tender board.
During the proceedings on Wednesday, July 15, counsel to the accused, Sunday Edward, asked the court to admit the defendant to bail in line with Section 36(5) of the Constitution and section I62, 163 of ACJA pending the determination of the suit.
The prosecuting counsel, Christopher Mshelia, however, opposed the bail application, urging the court to discontinue bail and order an accelerated hearing.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that, except for the belief that the defendant will commit another offence if released on bail, bail can’t be denied.
The judge further explained more grounds on which bail can be denied, which are if the defendant attempts to evade trial or intimidate witnesses.
According to him, the defendant is no longer in a position where he can intimidate witnesses, and the prosecution has failed to produce strong evidence that he will jump bail or intimidate witnesses.
He noted that it is wrong to refuse bail on an unsubstantiated belief.
Thereafter, the judge admitted Umar on N100 million bail, one surety in like sum. The judge ruled that the surety must have property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The matter was, thereafter, adjourned until 29th October for trial.
