ABUJA – In a stunning turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari in a high-profile asset declaration case brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Justice James Omotosho cleared Kyari, along with his two brothers, of all charges in a 23-count amended charge. The charges included the alleged non-declaration of assets, conspiracy, and the swearing of false affidavits to conceal the origins of several landed properties.
The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants. Justice Omotosho described the evidence presented by the NDLEA as “watery,” noting a complete lack of documentary proof linking Kyari to the disputed properties.
The properties in question were located in upscale areas, including Fountain Estate, a property on Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, and assets in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“The prosecution presented no title documents, no evidence of acts of possession, or any connection through possession to link the first defendant to these properties,” the judge stated. In his defence, Kyari had maintained that the properties in Borno belonged to his late father and were legitimately inherited by him and his siblings.
Justice Omotosho also took issue with the inclusion of Kyari’s brothers in the conspiracy charge, stating it was done in “bad faith” and was not substantiated by the prosecution. He added that the defendants, who have served the nation diligently, should not be subjected to persecution.
It is crucial to note that this ruling pertains strictly to the charges of non-declaration of assets and associated financial crimes filed by the NDLEA. The court’s decision does not affect other separate legal proceedings involving the embattled police officer, including the long-running case related to alleged drug trafficking.
