- BREAKING: Federal High Court Clears Abba Kyari of Asset Non-Declaration Charges
- Says NDLEA Failed to Prove Case
- Kyari had earlier argued in his defence that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings
A 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 filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Eko Hot Blog reports that while delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to support allegations of non-declaration of assets, conspiracy, and the swearing of false affidavits.
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The case centred on claims that Kyari and his siblings failed to properly declare several landed properties allegedly linked to them.
However, the judge described the evidence presented by the NDLEA as “watery,” noting that the prosecution did not produce documents or credible proof connecting the former police intelligence chief to the properties in question.
The disputed assets included properties at Fountain Estate in Kasa, allegedly listed under Ramatu Kyari, another property on Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, and other landed properties in Maiduguri.
According to the court, ownership of land can be proven through several means, including historical ownership records, title documents, acts of possession, or possession through a recognised relationship with the owner. Justice Omotosho said none of these elements were established by the prosecution during the trial.
Kyari had earlier argued in his defence that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings.
The court also criticised the decision to include Kyari’s brothers in the conspiracy charge, describing the move as lacking good faith and unsupported by evidence.
Justice Omotosho further remarked that the defendants had served the country and should not be subjected to persecution without clear proof of wrongdoing.
The acquittal relates specifically to the NDLEA case involving alleged non-declaration of assets and related financial offences.
However, legal observers note that other legal proceedings involving Kyari; including the widely publicised drug trafficking case connected to cocaine allegations are separate matters and may continue independently.
