A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari of a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday. He ruled that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency failed to prove its case.
Kyari faced trial alongside his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari. Prosecutors accused them of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origin of certain properties allegedly linked to the police officer.
However, the court found that the prosecution did not provide credible proof that the properties belonged to Kyari.
Justice Omotosho explained that ownership of land requires clear evidence. This may include title documents, traditional history, acts of possession, or other proof tied to ownership.
He said the prosecution failed to provide any such proof.
“The prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to prove that the property cited in the charge belonged to Abba Kyari,” the judge said.
The court also reviewed a property located in Fountain Estate, Kasana. Prosecutors alleged it belonged to Kyari. However, the property was linked to Ramatu Kyari.
“None of these forms of proof was presented to show that the property located in Fountain Estate, Kasana, which is said to belong to Ramatu Kyari, was owned by the suspended police officer,” the judge stated.
Court Finds No Proof Linking Kyari To Properties
Justice Omotosho also addressed other properties mentioned in the charges. These included houses on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and another in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to the court, prosecutors did not provide evidence linking Kyari to these assets.
Kyari had earlier told the court that the Maiduguri property belonged to his late father. He said he inherited it along with his siblings.
The judge said the prosecution failed to challenge that explanation.
“The prosecution did not disprove this claim,” he said.
The court also reviewed conspiracy charges against Kyari’s brothers. However, the judge ruled that the allegations lacked credible evidence.
“The allegation was not substantiated by evidence. The prosecution’s case is weak and lacks credible proof,” Justice Omotosho said.
He also commented on Kyari’s public service. According to him, “Abba Kyari has served the country and should not be subjected to persecution in the absence of convincing evidence.”
Despite the acquittal, Kyari still faces another trial. He and four suspended police officers are currently before Justice Emeka Nwite over alleged involvement in a cocaine deal.
Two drug traffickers linked to that case were convicted in 2022 and received two-year prison sentences.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
In as much as some of the police officers I personally have seen, are biased and corrupt, but I see it no fair game if one is persecuted for something they did not do.
Reading this, it seems to me that this is a setup to get him locked up.
Some police officers have been seen I personally have seen