Alleged N10m bribery: CCT chair, Umar’s trial stalled

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The scheduled arraignment of the Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, over an allegation of receiving N10million from one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, was stalled yesterday.
The suit marked CR/109/18 was filed on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by Festus Keyamo, SAN, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Maitama, before Justice Ishaq Bello.
However, court authorities said the matter has been transferred to FCT high court Jabi.
A reliable source informed journalists that a new date for the arraignment would be fixed by the new judge who will be handle the matter.
The case which was formerly filed before the Chief Judge of the FCT court, was queried by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, because the EFCC had on two occasions absolved the CCT Chairman of any wrongdoing.
Consequently, a query signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of Justice Ministry, Dayo Apata, directed the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu to explain why he instituted the 2-count criminal charge at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory against the Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar.
Malami, also demanded an explanation from Festus Keyamo, SAN, on who briefed him to file the charge against the CCT Chairman.
In a bid to prosecute the CCT Chairman, the FG stated it would rely on the following documents to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Keyamo revealed that the FG will be calling the following as witnesses. They are Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo,
Alex Ebbah and Reuben Omosynho, all of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Abdulmajeed Ibrahim;
Mohammed Bala; and Staff of Zenith Bank, Abuja (on witness summons to tender documents).
Also documents which include a petition dated 20th June, 2013, by Rasheed O. Taiwo; Statement of the Defendant; Zenith Bank Statement of Taiwo Rasheed Owolabi; Zenith Bank Statement of Ali Gambo Abdullahi; Copy of Zenith bank Cheque of Taiwo Rasheed Owolabi and Copy of Zenith Bank Cheque of Ali Gambo Abdullahi.
Others include, all processes and documents in Charge No. CCT/ABJ/03/12; Statements of Witnesses; Other relevant documents and Proof of Evidence.