Court Sends Ex-CCT Chairman to Prison Over Corruption Charges

Justice Peter Kekemeke ordered the remand of the former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) after the federal government charged him with four counts of corruption.

The judge postponed the case to 15 July for Mr Umar's bail application hearing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Mr Umar with abuse of office.

They claimed that in 2021, he used his wife's bank account to collect N5.5 million from a contractor hired to paint the CCT headquarters in Abuja.

The agency also alleged that on 25 January 2024, he used his wife's account again to collect N6 million from a contractor who worked on digitizing the CCT's records.

Additionally, Mr Umar was accused of telling another contractor to pay N2.43 million for his daughter's tuition at Baze University, Abuja.

These actions are said to violate section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Mr Umar pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Earlier, EFCC Counsel Christopher Mshelia asked the court to keep Mr Umar in custody and requested a date to start the trial.

On the other hand, Defence Counsel Sunday Edward urged the court to grant Mr Umar bail while the case is still ongoing.

Justice Kekemeke then set the next hearing for 15 July.