Abba Kyari Submits Video Alleging NDLEA Role In Drug Trafficking

Abba Kyari Submits Video Alleging NDLEA Role In Drug Trafficking
Witness said suspects claimed protection and clearance from NDLEA officials
Court adjourned trial as Kyari faces ongoing drug related charges

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has presented a video before the Federal High Court in Abuja, allegedly showing operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency aiding drug traffickers at airports.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Defects To APC As Atiku’s Son Refuses To Dump PDP
Should Governors Have To Join Ruling Party for ‘Greater Federal Support’?
FEDSA National Pays Courtesy Visit to Lekki LCDA Chairman, Applauds Free JAMB Initiative

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kyari is currently standing trial alongside other officers of the Intelligence Response Team over alleged drug-related offences.

Those being tried with him include ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, as well as ASP John Umoru, who is said to be at large.

The case also involves two convicted drug traffickers, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who were arraigned by the NDLEA in 2022 over the same offence. Both men were later convicted and sentenced after pleading guilty to the charges.

During proceedings, a defence witness from the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector El John Nwoke, told the court that the traffickers were arrested at Enugu Airport.

He said the suspects were apprehended with a 21.55 kilogram consignment of cocaine.

While being led in evidence by defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, the witness said the traffickers claimed they had previously operated under the protection of NDLEA officials.

According to him, the suspects told investigators they had been cleared by NDLEA personnel on the day of their arrest and were surprised when they were intercepted by the police.

A 27 minute video recording made by the police on January 20, 2022 was also presented in court. In the footage, one of the convicted traffickers, Ezenwanne, reportedly admitted knowing the substance he carried was cocaine.

“I am aware it was cocaine,” he said in the video, adding that it was his second time transporting the illicit drug.

He also claimed that airport officials often did not conduct thorough searches on them because they were familiar with their movements.

After listening to the testimony, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to May 20 and 21 for continuation of hearing.