Court acquits DCP Abba Kyari Of 23-count asset declaration charge

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

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the anti-narcotics agency failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against Kyari and his two brothers, who were also accused of filing false affidavits to conceal the origin of certain properties.

According to the judge, the prosecution did not present credible documents linking Kyari to landed properties in Fountain Estate, Kasana, allegedly owned by Ramatu Kyari, or to other properties located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Justice Omotosho noted that ownership of landed property could be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection, but none of these were sufficiently proven by the prosecution.

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

Justice Omotosho further ruled that the conspiracy charge against Kyari’s brothers lacked evidential backing.

“Consequently, the defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted on all counts,” the judge declared.