Court dismisses NDLEA’s assets case against Abba Kyari

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the non-declaration of assets case filed against suspended police officer Abba Kyari and his two brothers by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice James Omotosho struck out the case on Thursday after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

In his judgment, Omotosho held that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution and that the NDLEA failed to meet the required legal standard.

He described the case against Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, as persecution.

The court subsequently discharged and acquitted the defendants of all charges.

Allegations against Kyari

The NDLEA had filed a 23-count charge against the trio, accusing them of failing to fully declare assets.

According to the agency, investigations uncovered 14 properties allegedly linked to Kyari, including shopping malls, residential estates, polo playgrounds, farmland, and parcels of land located in Abuja and Borno State.

The agency also alleged that more than ₦207 million and €17,598 were discovered in accounts linked to Kyari across banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Sterling Bank.

NDLEA prosecutors argued that the defendants disguised ownership of properties and converted funds, offences punishable under provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

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However, Kyari and his brothers pleaded not guilty to all the charges before the court dismissed the case.