Abba Kyari, NDLEA case, Federal High Court Abuja, asset declaration trial, Nigeria court ruling
BY Ngbede Silas
A High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed all 23 counts filed against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari over alleged failure to properly declare assets.
The case was instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which accused Kyari of concealing ownership of several properties. His two brothers were also joined in the suit on allegations that they submitted sworn statements intended to shield the true ownership of the assets.
In a detailed ruling, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court held that the prosecution did not meet the legal burden required to sustain the charges. The judge emphasised that criminal allegations must be backed by clear and convincing evidence, which was not established in this case.
The court explained that, under Nigerian property law, ownership of landed assets can be proven through documentary title, credible testimony tracing traditional ownership, verifiable acts of possession, or other legally recognised means. According to the ruling, none of these standards were satisfactorily demonstrated in relation to the disputed properties.
Particular attention was given to assets reportedly located in Karsana, Abuja, as well as properties said to be in Asokoro and Maiduguri. The court found no direct documentary or testimonial evidence linking Kyari to those holdings.
Kyari had argued during the proceedings that some of the properties in Borno State were inherited from his late father and shared among family members. The court noted that the prosecution failed to contradict that position with credible proof.
Justice Omotosho further questioned the decision to charge Kyari’s brothers with conspiracy, stating that the allegation lacked substantive backing. He concluded that the case, as presented, fell short of the evidentiary threshold required for a conviction.
Based on these findings, the court discharged and acquitted Kyari and the other defendants on all counts.
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