•DCP Abba Kyari: Discharged and acquitted
In a landmark ruling today, Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers in a 23-count charge brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The charges accused Kyari of failing to declare assets, conspiracy, and swearing false affidavits to conceal ownership of properties in Fountain Estate, Kasa (registered under Ramatu Kyari), Linda Chuko Road, Asokoro, and Maiduguri, Borno State, reports The Guardian.
Presiding Judge James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to link Kyari to the alleged properties, describing their case as “watery.”
The judge emphasised that property ownership can be proven through title documents, acts of possession, traditional history, or connection, none of which were provided. Kyari had maintained that the Borno properties were inherited from his late father.
Justice Omotosho also criticized the inclusion of Kyari’s brothers in the conspiracy charges, stating that the prosecution acted in bad faith and failed to substantiate the allegations. He noted that the defendants had served the country with distinction and should not be subjected to persecution.
The ruling specifically addresses the asset declaration and related financial charges. It does not impact other ongoing legal matters, including Kyari’s long-standing drug trafficking case, which may proceed independently.
