Court Acquits Abba Kyari Of 23-Count Asset Declaration Charge

The Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has cleared Abba Kyari, a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, of a 23-count charge related to alleged failure to declare assets.

The case was filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Abba Kyari was charged together with his two brothers, who were accused of making false affidavits in an attempt to hide the source of some properties.

Delivering his judgment, Justice James Omotosho said the NDLEA did not present enough evidence to support the allegations, especially the claim that Kyari failed to declare certain landed properties.

The judge explained that property ownership can normally be proven through traditional history, official title documents, clear acts of possession, or proof of possession through connection.

However, he said the prosecution did not provide any of these forms of proof to show that the properties at Fountain Estate in Karsana, which belong to Ramatu Kyari, were actually owned by Abba Kyari.

The court also noted that investigators failed to present convincing evidence linking Kyari to other properties said to be located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.

During his defence, Kyari told the court that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father and were left for him and his siblings.

The court ruled that the prosecution could not prove otherwise.

Justice Omotosho also criticised the decision to charge Kyari’s brothers with conspiracy, saying the allegation was not backed by evidence.

He described the NDLEA’s case as weak and lacking credible proof.

The judge added that Kyari had served the country and should not face persecution without solid evidence.

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