In a significant ruling on March 5, 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, from a 23-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The charges accused the defendants of failing to declare assets—primarily landed properties in Abuja and Maiduguri—conspiracy, and swearing false affidavits to conceal ownership origins. Specific properties cited included those in Fountain Estate, Kasa (under Ramatu Kyari), Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, and several in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the NDLEA failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court described the prosecution's evidence as "watery" and insufficient, noting the absence of any credible documents, title deeds, acts of possession, or other proofs linking Kyari directly to the disputed properties.
Kyari had consistently maintained in his defense that the Borno State properties were inherited from his late father and shared among him and his numerous siblings.
The judge emphasized that property ownership under Nigerian law can be proven through traditional history, documentary title, long possession, or connected acts—none of which the prosecution successfully demonstrated.
The court also condemned the inclusion of Kyari's brothers in the conspiracy counts as lacking substantiation and appearing to be in bad faith. Justice Omotosho further observed that the defendants had rendered valuable service to the nation and should not be subjected to unwarranted persecution.
This acquittal is limited to the asset non-declaration and related financial allegations pursued by the NDLEA. It does not affect separate ongoing proceedings, including the distinct drug trafficking case involving Kyari and former members of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), which continues independently.
The decision marks a major relief for the embattled former IRT head amid his prolonged legal battles and brings one chapter of his high-profile cases to a close.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com