DCP Abba Kyari Acquitted of Non-Declaration of Assets Charges

DCP Abba Kyari Acquitted of Non-Declaration of Assets Charges

DCP Abba Kyari was acquitted of non-declaration of assets charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on March 5, 2026. The court found that the prosecution, led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, described the allegations against Kyari and his brothers as “persecution.” The NDLEA had accused Kyari of failing to disclose ownership of various properties and funds, including 207 million Naira and 17,598 Euros discovered in his accounts.

The court dismissed the NDLEA’s 23-count charge against Kyari and his brothers, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which was unable to provide credible evidence. Justice Omotosho stated, “The prosecution’s case is weak and lacking in credible proof.”

Despite the acquittal on asset declaration charges, Kyari remains embroiled in a separate ongoing drug trafficking case. The NDLEA plans to continue pursuing this case, which is scheduled for a hearing on March 16, 2026.

Kyari has been in detention since his trials began in 2022, and the court ruling does not affect the ongoing cocaine trial against him and four other police officers. Two drug traffickers involved in the cocaine case have already been convicted and sentenced to two years in prison.

The case against Kyari has drawn significant public attention, particularly given his previous role as a high-ranking police officer. The NDLEA’s allegations include failure to disclose assets such as shopping malls and farmland, which have raised questions about transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

As observers await further developments, the next hearing in the drug trafficking case will be crucial in determining the future of DCP Abba Kyari. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional charges that may arise from ongoing investigations.