Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has discharged and acquitted Abba Kyari, a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, of a 23-count charge related to the alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Kyari was charged alongside his two brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits in an alleged attempt to conceal the origins of certain properties.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the NDLEA failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, particularly regarding the non-declaration of landed properties.
The judge explained that ownership of land can be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection. However, the prosecution did not present any of these forms of evidence to prove that properties at Fountain Estate, Karsana, allegedly linked to Ramatu Kyari, were owned by Abba Kyari.
The court also found that the prosecution failed to produce material evidence connecting Kyari to properties on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, as well as in Maiduguri, Borno State.
