Court Clears Abba Kyari of 23-Count Asset Declaration Allegations

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted Abba Kyari, the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, from a 23-count indictment concerning an alleged failure to declare assets. This judgment was made public on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, who determined that the prosecution did not successfully substantiate its case against Kyari and the co-defendants.

Kyari faced charges together with his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, who were accused of making false declarations to hide the provenance of certain properties supposedly associated with the police officer.

In delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho remarked:

"The prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to establish ownership of the properties mentioned in the charge being tied to Abba Kyari. Establishing ownership of real estate can be demonstrated through historical documentation, title papers, acts of possession, or ownership-related possession.

"None of these forms of evidence were presented to demonstrate that the property in Fountain Estate, Kasana, alleged to be owned by Ramatu Kyari, belonged to the suspended officer."

The judge further pointed out that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking Kyari to other properties referenced in the indictment, including those on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Kyari had previously claimed that the Borno property belonged to his deceased father and had been passed down to him and his siblings. Justice Omotosho affirmed:

"The prosecution did not successfully refute this assertion."

Concerning the conspiracy allegations against Kyari's brothers, the judge noted:

"The claims were not backed by credible evidence. The prosecution's case is weak and lacks reliable proof."

Justice Omotosho also acknowledged Kyari’s contribution to the nation, stating:

"Abba Kyari has served the country honorably and should not endure persecution in the absence of compelling evidence."

In a separate legal matter, Kyari, along with four other suspended police officers, is currently facing trial under Justice Emeka Nwite for their alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation. In that case, two traffickers, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, received two-year prison sentences in 2022 after being convicted.