EFCC Arraigns Ex-CCT Boss Danladi Umar over N15.5m Fraud Allegations

​The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned Danladi Yakubu Umar, the former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Justice U. P. Kekemeke presided over the proceedings, which centered on a four-count charge of corruption and nepotism involving N15,587,833.76.

​The charges against the former CCT chief allege a systematic abuse of office during his tenure as both the Chairman of the Tribunal and head of its Tenders Board. Prosecutors contend that Mr. Umar leveraged his position to secure illicit financial benefits for his family.

​According to the charge sheet, in October 2021, Mr. Umar allegedly facilitated a corrupt advantage by directing a subcontractor, Kurchmives International Limited, to pay N5.5 million into a Keystone Bank account held by his wife, Zulaihatu Danladi Umar. This payment reportedly originated from funds linked to a contract awarded to Momanaf Global Ventures Limited for the painting of the CCT headquarters.

ADVERTISEMENT

​A second count reveals further allegations of financial impropriety occurring in January 2024. The EFCC claims that Mr. Umar caused the sum of N6 million to be paid into a Zenith Bank account belonging to his wife. This transfer was allegedly facilitated by Portal Realities Limited, a sister company to JTF Global Links Limited—an organization previously awarded a contract for the digitalization of the tribunal’s records.

​Upon the reading of the four-count charge, Mr. Umar entered a plea of “not guilty.”

​Following the plea, the prosecution counsel, Christopher Mshelia, requested that the court set a date for the commencement of trial and proposed that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre. Conversely, the defense counsel, S. Edward, moved for the defendant’s bail, setting the stage for a legal battle over his temporary release.

​Justice Kekemeke has adjourned the case until July 15, 2026. On that date, the court is expected to hear arguments regarding the bail application. Until then, the court ordered that Mr. Umar be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.