Federal High Court Discharges and Acquits Suspended DCP Abba Kyari in NDLEA Asset Declaration Case.

Federal High Court Discharges and Acquits Suspended DCP Abba Kyari in NDLEA Asset Declaration Case.

In a significant ruling today, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, of a 23-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged non-declaration of assets.The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, accused the defendants of failing to fully disclose landed properties—including those in Fountain Estate, Kasa (registered under Ramatu Kyari), Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and various properties in Maiduguri, Borno State—as well as conspiracy and swearing false affidavits to conceal ownership origins.Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the NDLEA failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing the prosecution's evidence as "watery" and insufficient. 

The judge noted that the agency presented no documents, title deeds, or other proof linking Kyari directly to the disputed properties. He emphasized that under Nigerian law, ownership of land can be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection—none of which the prosecution substantiated.Kyari, in his defense during the trial, maintained that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father and were inherited jointly by him and his siblings. The court accepted this explanation, finding no credible evidence of concealment or false declaration.The judge further criticized the inclusion of Kyari's brothers in the conspiracy counts as being in "bad faith," stating the prosecution could not substantiate joint involvement. Justice Omotosho added that the defendants had served the country diligently and should not be subjected to persecution, ultimately discharging and acquitting all three on all counts.This acquittal is limited to the asset declaration and related financial allegations pursued by the NDLEA in this specific suit. It does not affect separate ongoing proceedings against Kyari, including the high-profile drug trafficking case (involving alleged cocaine dealings linked to his former Police Intelligence Response Team), which continues before another judge in the Federal High Court. Recent developments in that matter include the admission of video evidence allegedly implicating NDLEA operatives, with playback scheduled for March 16, 2026.Kyari, once celebrated as a top anti-kidnapping and anti-crime officer, has faced multiple legal battles since his 2022 suspension amid international drug allegations. Today's ruling marks a major legal victory in the asset probe, which stemmed from NDLEA investigations into undeclared wealth.Legal analysts note the decision underscores the high evidentiary threshold in corruption-related cases, particularly those involving asset forfeiture or non-declaration. The NDLEA has not yet indicated whether it will appeal.This is a developing story, with potential implications for Kyari's status and other pending matters.