The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of a 23-count charge bordering on alleged non-declaration of assets.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against Kyari.
The charges also involved Kyari’s two brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origin of certain properties.
In his ruling, the judge stated that the prosecution did not present credible documents linking Kyari to landed properties in Fountain Estate, Kasana, reportedly belonging to Ramatu Kyari, or to properties located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Justice Omotosho explained that ownership of landed property can be established through traditional history, valid title documents, acts of possession, or possession through connection. However, he noted that none of these were adequately demonstrated by the prosecution.
The court also held that Kyari’s explanation that the properties in Maiduguri belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings was not disproved.
Furthermore, the judge ruled that the allegation of conspiracy against Kyari’s brothers was not established.
Consequently, the court discharged and acquitted the defendants on all counts.
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