The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, the court held that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against Kyari and his two brothers, who were also accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the ownership of certain properties.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the NDLEA did not present credible documentary evidence linking Kyari to the properties in dispute. These included a landed property in Fountain Estate, Kasana, reportedly associated with Ramatu Kyari, as well as properties located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The judge noted that ownership of landed property can be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection, adding that none of these forms of proof were provided by the prosecution.

The court further held that Kyari’s explanation that the Maiduguri properties belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings was not successfully challenged by the prosecution.

Justice Omotosho also ruled that the allegation of conspiracy against Kyari’s brothers was not proven.

Consequently, the court discharged and acquitted Kyari and the other defendants on all counts.

More details later…