Abba Kyari walks free as court rules NDLEA failed to prove case

By Lawrence Agbo

On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja cleared suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari of a 23-count allegation of failing to declare assets, which was filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho concluded that the anti-drug agency had not produced enough proof to support the accusations made against Abba Kyari and his two brothers, who were also charged with making fake affidavits to hide the origin of some properties.

According to the judge, the prosecution failed to present reliable evidence connecting Kyari to properties on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro and Maiduguri, Borno State, or to landed properties in Fountain Estate, Kasana, which were allegedly owned by Ramatu Kyari.

He pointed out that the prosecution did not produce any of the traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection that could be used to prove ownership of landed property.

The prosecution did not refute Kyari’s claim that the Maiduguri properties belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings, according to Justice Omotosho, who also stated that the accusation of conspiracy against his brothers was not proven.

As a result, the court cleared the defendants of all charges and dismissed them.