Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his brothers in a case brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) concerning allegations of non-disclosure of assets. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, dismissed the charges against Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed and Ali Kyari, citing the prosecution’s failure to substantiate the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Justice Omotosho criticized the prosecution’s case as lacking substance and described it as “watery.” He emphasized that the defendants, presumed innocent, placed a significant burden on the prosecution to prove their guilt conclusively. The judge noted that the prosecution’s inability to meet this burden warranted the defendants’ discharge and acquittal.
Justice Omotosho expressed dismay over the charges against Abba Kyari, highlighting the defendant’s commendable service to the nation in securing dangerous assignments. He remarked on the irony of Kyari facing what he described as baseless charges after risking his life for the country. The judge further criticized the NDLEA’s investigation as poorly executed, indicating that the prosecution failed to present convincing evidence against the defendants.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution struggled unsuccessfully to implicate the defendants and ultimately failed to present a case grounded in facts. He concluded that the evidence was insufficient to hold the defendants accountable, leading to their discharge and acquittal on all counts. The judge underscored that the prosecution did not fulfill its burden of proof, and the case lacked the necessary merit to secure a conviction. Consequently, Abba Kyari and his brothers were acquitted of the charges filed against them.