Quick Summary:
AbbaKyariCaseDismissed2026 as Federal High Court in Abuja acquits suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his brothers of NDLEA’s non-disclosure of assets charges, citing failure to prove case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, over alleged non-disclosure of assets.
Justice James Omotosho ruled on Thursday that the NDLEA failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing the prosecution as “persecution.”
The court consequently discharged and acquitted all three defendants.
NDLEA’s Allegations
The NDLEA had filed a 23-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of failing to declare assets and disguising ownership of properties and funds.
The agency alleged that 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estates, polo playgrounds, lands, and farmlands, were traced to Kyari in Abuja and Maiduguri.
It also claimed to have discovered ₦207 million and €17,598 in Kyari’s accounts across GTBank, UBA, and Sterling Bank.
The offences were said to contravene Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
Kyari and his brothers, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Court Proceedings
The ruling followed the adoption of final arguments by NDLEA counsel Sunday Joseph, Kyari’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Monjok Agom, counsel to Kyari’s brothers.
Justice Omotosho, after reviewing the evidence, held that the prosecution failed to substantiate its claims and that the defendants were entitled to acquittal.
Background
Kyari, a former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has faced multiple legal battles since his suspension from the Nigeria Police Force.
The NDLEA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, was one of several proceedings initiated against him following allegations of drug-related offences and financial misconduct.