By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its substantive drug case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari is ongoing.
A statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Thursday, March 5, noted that the trial is scheduled for continuation before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16.
The clarification was issued following the discharge of Kyari by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday on a 23-count charge bordering on alleged non-declaration of assets.
Speaking on the matter, Babafemi said the ruling by Justice James Omotosho concerns a separate case involving money laundering and asset declaration, which is different from the main drug prosecution.
The NDLEA spokesman added that the prosecution team will first obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to review its details before deciding on any next steps, including a possible appeal.
He said: “First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case, which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday. That one is very much on course.”
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kyari of a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the NDLEA.
While delivering judgment in the case on Thursday, Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to establish its case against Kyari and the other defendants.
The former DCP was charged alongside his two brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origin of some property allegedly linked to him.
Justice Omotosho noted that the NDLEA did not present sufficient evidence to prove that the property cited in the charge belonged to Kyari.
