By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari of a 23-count charge related to the alleged non-declaration of assets, brought against him by the **National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Kyari faced the charges alongside his two brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origins of certain properties.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the NDLEA failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, particularly regarding the ownership and non-declaration of landed properties. The judge emphasized that property ownership can be proven through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection—none of which the prosecution presented.
The court noted that the prosecution did not link Kyari to properties at Fountain Estate, Karsana, which belong to Ramatu Kyari, or to properties on Linda Choko Road, Asokoro, Abuja and in Maiduguri, Borno State. Kyari had maintained that the Borno properties were inherited from his late father.
Justice Omotosho criticized the NDLEA for charging Kyari’s brothers with conspiracy, calling the allegation unsubstantiated. He described the prosecution’s case as weak and lacking credible evidence, adding that Kyari had served the country commendably and should not face persecution.
