By: Ojay Matthew
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, has a case to answer in connection with allegations of non-disclosure and ownership of hidden assets.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Tuesday, holding that the prosecution had established a *prima facie* case against Kyari sufficient to warrant his defence. The court dismissed Kyari’s no-case submission, which sought to have the charges struck out for lack of evidence.
The former commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on charges bordering on money laundering, concealment of wealth, and alleged failure to declare assets traced to him both in Nigeria and abroad.
According to the NDLEA, investigations uncovered several properties and large sums of money linked to Kyari, which were allegedly acquired through unlawful means. The agency further accused him of attempting to conceal ownership of the assets by using proxies and shell companies.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution raised substantial issues that required explanation from the defendant.
“The prosecution has provided credible evidence that, if left unchallenged, may establish the guilt of the defendant. The defendant, therefore, has a case to answer,” the judge held.
The court consequently ordered Kyari to open his defence at the next sitting.
Kyari, who is also facing a separate trial for alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking ring, has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that all assets linked to him were legitimately acquired through his earnings and legitimate business interests.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for Kyari to open his defence.
Be the first to comment