Abba Kyari NDLEA acquittal: Federal High Court clears suspended police officer of all 23 non-declaration charges
The Federal High Court on Thursday discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of all 23 charges of alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment in Abuja, ruled that the anti-narcotics agency failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against Kyari and his two brothers.
The defendants were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origin of certain properties.
The court noted that the prosecution did not provide credible evidence linking Kyari to properties allegedly located at Fountain Estate, Kasana, or to other properties on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Justice Omotosho observed that ownership of landed property could be established through historical records, title documents, acts of possession, or connection, none of which were presented.
The judge also highlighted that Kyari’s defence maintained the Maiduguri properties were inherited from his late father—a claim the prosecution failed to disprove.
The judge further dismissed the conspiracy charges against Kyari’s brothers, suggesting that the allegations appeared to have been filed in bad faith.
Justice Omotosho concluded that the NDLEA’s case lacked merit and formally discharged and acquitted Kyari and the other defendants on all counts.
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The ruling marks a significant legal victory for the suspended police officer, who has faced prolonged scrutiny over the alleged non-declaration of assets.
