Former Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman Remanded Over Corruption Charges

The immediate past Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Thursday following his arraignment at the FCT High Court on charges of corruption.

Umar entered a plea of not guilty to a four-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The prosecution alleges that during his tenure as both the tribunal chairman and the head of its Tenders Board, he used his official position to secure corrupt and unfair advantages for himself through various government contractors.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged illicit benefits include:

Contractor Payments: Alleged payments of ₦5.5 million and ₦6 million made by companies executing contracts for the tribunal to Umar’s wife.

Educational Expenses: Allegations that contractors covered over ₦2 million in tuition fees for each of two of his children at Baze University.

During the proceedings, the prosecution requested a date for the trial to begin and urged the court to keep the defendant in custody. While the defense team moved for bail, the court noted that the application had been submitted only recently, requiring the prosecution time to review and respond.

Presiding Judge Peter Kekemeke ordered that the defendant be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The court has adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear the formal bail application.