EFCC accuses ex-Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman of receiving financial benefits linked to public contracts as corruption trial begins in Abuja.
By A1NEWS International
Abuja, Nigeria — July 9, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the remand of former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application in a corruption case involving an alleged ₦15 million unfair advantage.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the remand order after the prosecution, led by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Christopher Mshelia, informed the court that the prosecution had only been served with the defendant’s bail application on Wednesday and required time to file a formal response.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
EFCC Arraigns Former Anti-Corruption Tribunal Chairman
Danladi Umar, who previously headed the Code of Conduct Tribunal and also served as Chairman of the Tribunal’s Tenders Board, was arraigned on a four-count charge marked CR/233/26.
The EFCC alleges that Umar abused the authority of his office by conferring unlawful financial benefits upon himself through contractors awarded projects by the Tribunal.
The anti-graft agency said the alleged conduct contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which prohibits public officials from using their positions for personal benefit.
The former tribunal chairman pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Breakdown of the Allegations
According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the EFCC alleges that on October 5, 2021, Kurchmivers International Limited—a subcontractor responsible for the internal and external painting of the Code of Conduct Tribunal headquarters—transferred ₦5.5 million into the bank account of Umar’s wife.
In a second allegation, prosecutors claim that on January 25, 2024, Realities Limited, described as a sister company of JTF Global Links Limited, which handled the digitalisation of the Tribunal’s management records, paid ₦6 million into the same account.
The remaining two counts allege that Umar improperly benefited from contracts awarded by the Tribunal by allowing a contractor to settle the tuition fees of his two children studying at Baze University, amounting to approximately ₦4 million.
The EFCC contends that the cumulative transactions constitute an unlawful advantage derived from official duties.
Defence Seeks Bail
Counsel to the defendant, Sunday Edward, informed the court that a formal application seeking Umar’s release on bail had already been filed and duly served on the prosecution.
However, prosecution counsel Christopher Mshelia argued that the application was received around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving insufficient time to prepare a response.
Justice Kekemeke accepted the prosecution’s request and fixed July 15 for arguments on the bail application while directing that the defendant remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Case Rekindles Debate on Accountability
The arraignment of a former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal—the institution responsible for enforcing ethical standards among public office holders—has renewed public debate about integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.
Legal analysts note that the case underscores the principle that public officials, regardless of former office or status, remain subject to judicial scrutiny when allegations of misconduct arise.
However, they also stress that the allegations remain before the court and that Umar is constitutionally presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What Comes Next
Attention now shifts to the scheduled July 15 hearing, where the court will determine whether Umar should be granted bail pending trial.
If bail is granted, substantive proceedings on the criminal charges are expected to commence thereafter, with the prosecution required to present documentary evidence and witnesses in support of its case.
The outcome of the proceedings is likely to be closely watched by legal practitioners, anti-corruption advocates and governance observers, given the significance of the office previously occupied by the defendant.
The remand of former Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman Danladi Umar marks another significant chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign. While the EFCC maintains that the former public official improperly benefited from contracts linked to his office, the court will ultimately determine the merits of the allegations after hearing evidence from both the prosecution and the defence. Until then, the case remains one of the country’s most closely watched corruption trials.
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