The Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed allegations against Abba Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, and his brothers. The court ruled that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) did not meet the burden of proving non-disclosure of assets beyond a reasonable doubt.
Court Ruling on Asset Charges
Judge James Omotosho presided over the case, asserting that the NDLEA’s case lacked substantial evidence. He described the charges against Mr. Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed and Ali Kyari, as “persecution.” They were acquitted of all charges relating to asset non-disclosure.
This ruling does not affect an ongoing cocaine trial in which Mr. Kyari is involved, alongside four other police officers.
Ongoing Cocaine Trial
- Defendants: Abba Kyari and four suspended officers – Sunday J. Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu.
- Trial Judge: Emeka Nwite.
- Charges: Cocaine trafficking.
- Co-defendants’ Outcome: Two additional defendants, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to two years in prison.
Mr. Kyari and the others are currently detained pending the resolution of the cocaine trial.
Background of the Asset Case
The NDLEA had charged Mr. Kyari and his brothers in 2022 with failing to disclose their assets. The agency presented 23 charges that included the discovery of various properties allegedly owned by Mr. Kyari. These properties ranged from shopping malls to agricultural land, situated in areas such as Abuja and Borno.
Allegations and Defense
According to the NDLEA, Mr. Kyari’s accounts contained approximately N207 million and £17,598. The agency accused him of disguising asset ownership and converting funds. The charges were framed under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
During the trial, Mr. Kyari denied owning numerous properties linked to him. Testifying on November 5, he stated that some properties belonged to his deceased father and emphasized that he was unaware of the allegations surrounding the polo ground. However, he acknowledged owning a farmland on the Abuja-Kaduna Road and confirmed operating accounts with several banks.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal High Court dismissed asset non-disclosure charges against Abba Kyari and his brothers.
- Mr. Kyari remains under detention for separate charges related to cocaine trafficking.
- The NDLEA failed to prove its case against the Kyari brothers to the court’s standards.
As the cocaine trial progresses, further developments are anticipated regarding both Mr. Kyari’s defense and the broader implications of the case.
