A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama has granted bail to former Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman Danladi Umar, who is standing trial on four counts of corruption.
Justice Peter Kekemeke fixed bail at ₦100 million, with one surety in the same amount.
The surety must possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy, the judge ruled in a brief decision Tuesday.
Umar was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on four counts bordering on allegedly conferring undue advantage on himself while serving as CCT chairman. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Umar's counsel had urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, noting that the EFCC previously granted him administrative bail and that he never absconded during the investigation.
The defense also told the court that Umar consistently honored the commission's invitations throughout the probe.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Umar posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses, some of whom served under him during his tenure as CCT chairman.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke found that the prosecution had failed to establish that the defendant was likely to jump bail or interfere with witnesses and granted the application on that basis.
The court adjourned further hearing in the matter until Oct. 29. Umar will remain in custody at the Kuje Custodial Centre until he meets the bail conditions.
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