The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers in a 23-count charge brought against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over alleged non-declaration of assets .
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the anti-narcotics agency failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the allegations against the defendants . The judge described the prosecution’s case as “watery” and noted that no credible proof linked Kyari to disputed properties in Abuja and Maiduguri .
The charges accused Kyari of failing to declare assets, conspiracy, and swearing false affidavits to conceal ownership of properties in Fountain Estate, Karsana (registered under Ramatu Kyari), Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, and locations in Maiduguri, Borno State .
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution did not tender credible documents linking Kyari to the properties . He explained that ownership of landed property could be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection, none of which was presented by the prosecution .
The judge also noted that Kyari’s explanation that the Maiduguri properties belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings was not disproved by the prosecution . The court further held that the charge of conspiracy against his brothers was not established, describing the prosecution’s action as being in “bad faith” .
Justice Omotosho stated that the defendants had served the country with distinction and should not be subjected to persecution .
The NDLEA had alleged that over N207 million and €17,598 were discovered in Kyari’s various accounts in Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Sterling Bank . The agency also claimed it uncovered 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estates, and farmland belonging to Kyari .
The ruling specifically addresses the asset declaration and related financial charges. It does not impact other ongoing legal matters, including drug-related charges against Kyari, which may proceed independently .
