The Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), citing allegations of gross misconduct, absenteeism, and corruption.
The decision, reached after a closed-door session lasting over 90 minutes, was supported by more than 84 senators.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, described Umar’s conduct as inconsistent with the integrity expected of his office.
“The Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a statutory institution, is expected to uphold virtues of integrity, probity, and accountability,” Bamidele stated.
“However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar has fallen short of these requisite standards for a public officer entrusted with such responsibilities.”
The Senate cited numerous allegations against Umar, including absenteeism of more than a month without permission, corruption, misappropriation, and a public altercation with a security officer in Abuja.
Additionally, Umar is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Despite multiple summons by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Assembly, Umar appeared only once and failed to attend subsequent hearings.
Umar’s removal comes alongside the confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman, following President Tinubu’s nomination in July 2024.
The Senate’s action marks the first invocation of Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution since 1999, which allows for the removal of public officers on grounds of misconduct.
This historic decision underscores the 10th Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s critical institutions.
