A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers from a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, March 5, 2026, dismissing the case for lack of sufficient evidence. The decision marks a significant legal victory for Kyari, the former head of the Inspector-General’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), amid ongoing scrutiny over his career.
Court Ruling Details
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case beyond reasonable doubt, describing the NDLEA’s evidence as “watery” and “baseless.” The charges accused Kyari, Mohammed Kyari, and Ali Kyari of failing to disclose properties including a residence in Karsana, Fountain Estate (registered to Ramatu Kyari), and assets in Asokoro and Maiduguri. The judge emphasized that ownership requires definitive proof like title deeds, rejecting NDLEA claims that Kyari disguised ownership or converted monies under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering Act.
The court condemned conspiracy charges against Kyari’s siblings as malicious, noting the prosecution’s 10 witnesses and 20 exhibits did not link Kyari to the assets. Kyari had filed a no-case submission after the prosecution closed, which Omotosho initially dismissed on October 28, 2025, ordering defense. He opened defense on November 4, 2025, but ultimately prevailed.
NDLEA Charges Background
The NDLEA initiated the case in 2022, alleging Kyari’s non-disclosure hid illicit gains. Properties in question included inherited Maiduguri assets, which Kyari claimed from his late father—a claim the court upheld for lack of disproof. All defendants pleaded not guilty from the outset. The trial spanned over four years, highlighting prolonged legal battles for the suspended supercop.
NDLEA Response and Drug Case Status
NDLEA clarified the acquittal applies solely to asset charges, not the separate drug trafficking trial. Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi stated the prosecution team would obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to decide on appeal. The agency vowed to pursue the main drug case vigorously, where Justice Nwite dismissed a no-case submission in April 2025, ordering defense. Two co-defendants were convicted in June 2022 after pleading guilty.
Kyari’s Legal History
Known as Nigeria’s “supercop” for busting high-profile crimes, Kyari’s 2022 suspension stemmed from alleged cocaine trafficking ties with the now-dismantled IRT. The asset case intertwined with money laundering allegations, but the court ruled it persecution. Justice Omotosho stressed the prosecution’s burden, unmet here. This acquittal contrasts ongoing NDLEA drug proceedings and a separate 2022 panel indictment.
Reactions and Implications
Legal analysts view the ruling as a setback for NDLEA’s asset recovery efforts in corruption probes. Supporters hail it as vindication for Kyari, detained over 1,000 days. Critics question NDLEA’s evidence strategy in non-declaration cases. The decision reinforces judicial standards for proof in asset forfeiture under anti-money laundering laws.
No immediate statements emerged from Kyari’s camp post-ruling, but the acquittal boosts his defense in parallel trials. NDLEA’s appeal intent signals potential prolongation. For financial compliance watchers, it underscores challenges in linking undeclared assets to public officers without ironclad documentation.
Broader Context in AML Enforcement
Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework, via EFCC and NDLEA, targets undeclared assets amid FATF scrutiny. Kyari’s case exemplifies tensions between law enforcement and narcotics agencies. Similar probes against officials often falter on evidentiary gaps, as seen here. The ruling may influence future non-declaration prosecutions, demanding robust ownership traces.
In cryptocurrency and digital asset compliance—Kyari’s case indirectly touches money laundering—regulators stress declaration rigor. Yet, courts prioritize beyond-reasonable-doubt thresholds, per Omotosho’s analysis. This outcome highlights NDLEA’s pivot to drug merits over ancillary asset claims.
Timeline of Key Events
Ongoing Drug Trial Outlook
NDLEA’s main case persists before Justice Emeka Nwite, with Kyari defending trafficking allegations. The asset win may bolster morale but holds no sway there. Agency pursuit “to the end” underscores resolve. Stakeholders monitor for appeals impacting timelines.
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