A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari over allegations of non-declaration of assets.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the 23-count charge filed against Kyari by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Court Dismisses Charges Over Lack of Evidence
Kyari had been charged alongside two of his brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits in an alleged attempt to conceal the origin of certain properties linked to the police officer.
However, the court held that the NDLEA failed to establish its claims, particularly those concerning the alleged non-declaration of landed properties.
Justice Omotosho explained that ownership of land can be established through recognised legal means such as:
- Traditional history
- Valid title documents
- Acts of possession
- Possession connected to a known owner
According to the judge, none of these forms of evidence were presented by the prosecution.
No Proof Linking Kyari to Properties
The court also ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that properties located in Fountain Estate, Kasana, registered in the name of Ramatu Kyari, actually belonged to the police officer.
Similarly, the court found no evidence connecting Kyari to other disputed properties allegedly located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, or in Maiduguri, Borno State.
During his defence, Kyari told the court that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to provide any evidence to contradict this claim.
Brothers Also Cleared
Justice Omotosho also discharged Kyari’s brothers, ruling that the conspiracy allegations against them were not supported by evidence.
In his final remarks, the judge described the case presented by the NDLEA as weak and lacking substance, adding that Kyari had served the country and should not be subjected to unnecessary persecution.
The ruling effectively clears the suspended police officer and his brothers of all charges related to the case.
Court Discharges, Acquits Suspended DCP Abba Kyarihttps://t.co/9cev8TpPBp pic.twitter.com/Hkt1EteEWq
— TVC News (@tvcnewsng) March 5, 2026
