A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and two of his brothers over allegations of false asset declaration and money laundering.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by James Omotosho of Court 8 of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after a full trial that lasted several years.
The case, filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), contained 23 counts under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022.
During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and evidence before the court. However, in his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.
The court subsequently discharged and acquitted Kyari alongside his brothers, Muhammed Baba Kyari and Ali Baba Kyari, of all the charges.
The case had lasted for over four years and attracted significant public attention, with Kyari facing intense scrutiny and media coverage throughout the period.
Also Read:DSS arrests police, immigration officials ‘implicated’ in El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria
Despite the acquittal in the asset declaration and money laundering case, another criminal charge against Kyari is still pending before the Federal High Court under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and DCP Abba Kyari and four others. In that case, the prosecution has already closed its case while the defence is currently presenting its evidence.
Legal practitioner and rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, who commented on the development, described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and the principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Zenith Media News
Recent:YAHIC Empowers 90 Bauchi Women in Moringa Production, Seeks Policy Inclusion