Court Acquits Suspended DCP Abba Kyari Of 23-Count Asset Declaration Charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday cleared suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of a 23-count charge bordering on alleged failure to declare assets. In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency did not provide enough evidence to support the allegations brought against Kyari. The anti-drug agency had also charged Kyari’s two brothers, accusing them of swearing false affidavits in an attempt to hide the true ownership of some properties. However, the court held that the prosecution could not present credible documentation connecting Kyari to certain landed properties said to be located at Fountain Estate in Kasana, reportedly owned by Ramatu Kyari. The court also noted that there was no proof linking him to properties on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, or to buildings in Maiduguri, Borno State. Justice Omotosho explained that ownership of land can be proven through several means, including traditional history, title documents, evidence of possession, or possession connected to another owner. According to him, none of these forms of proof were provided by the prosecution during the trial. The judge further accepted Kyari’s explanation that the properties in Maiduguri belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and other family members. The prosecution, the court noted, failed to disprove this claim. He also ruled that the allegation of conspiracy against Kyari’s brothers was not substantiated. Following these findings, the court discharged and acquitted Kyari and the other defendants on all 23 counts.
