By Paul Joseph
The Federal High Court, Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari of a 23-count charge bordering on alleged non-declaration of assets.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking Kyari and his two brothers to the properties under investigation. The charges had been filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the NDLEA did not provide credible documentation to prove ownership of the properties allegedly connected to Kyari.
The judge noted that the prosecution failed to tender verifiable evidence relating to landed properties said to be located at Fountain Estate, Kasana, reportedly belonging to Ramatu Kyari, as well as properties along Linda Choko Road in Asokoro and in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to the court, ownership of landed property could be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession through a known connection. However, the prosecution did not present any of these forms of proof.
“On the evidence presented, it is clear that the prosecution has not established ownership of the said properties by the accused,” the judge said. “The explanation that the Maiduguri properties were inherited from the late father of the accused stands unchallenged.”
The court also dismissed allegations of conspiracy involving Kyari’s two brothers, stating that the charge was not supported by evidence presented during the trial.
Justice Omotosho consequently discharged and acquitted Kyari and his siblings on all counts, bringing the high-profile asset declaration case to a close.
The NDLEA had alleged that Kyari failed to declare several assets, including houses and parcels of land, and that he swore false affidavits to conceal the origins of the properties. However, the court held that the prosecution’s case lacked credibility and did not meet the legal burden required for conviction.
The judgment marks a significant development in the legal battles surrounding Kyari, whose career has been marred by several controversies and ongoing investigations.
Although cleared of the asset declaration charges, the suspended police officer has yet to make a public statement following the ruling.
Legal analysts say the ruling highlights the difficulty of prosecuting asset declaration cases in Nigeria, particularly when documentary evidence of ownership is incomplete or disputed.
Observers also believe the judgment could influence future anti-corruption prosecutions by emphasizing the need for verifiable documentation and stronger investigative groundwork before charges are filed.
The acquittal has renewed discussions about accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, as calls for reforms and stricter oversight of senior security officials continue to grow.
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