Court rejects fresh bail request, upholds charges against suspended cop Kyari in drug trafficking trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fresh bail application by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and four other officers.

The court also rejected a motion challenging the validity of the charges brought against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, ruled that the arguments presented by the defense lacked merit. This comes after previous denials of bail and dismissal of similar challenges to the charges in March 2023.

Dissatisfied with the dismissal of his objection to the trial, the former supercop took the matter before the appellate court where he also lost on Thursday.

In their judgement, a three-man panel of Justices led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, held that the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CR/516/2023, lacked merit.

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The appellate court said it found no reason to tamper with the findings and conclusions that were reached on the issue by the trial judge.

“In conclusion, this court finds no reason to disturb the findings and conclusions reached by the learned trial judge of the Federal High Court, and in the ruling delivered on the 22nd day of March 2023 is affirmed.

“The learned trial judge is directed to continue and conclude the trial at the Federal High Court.

“The appeal is found unmeritorious and it is accordingly dismissed,” the appellate court held.

Other members of the panel that concurred with the judgement, were Justices Peter Obiora and Okon Abang.

The NDLEA accused Mr. Kyari and his co-defendants of involvement in a drug trafficking operation in January 2022. The charges include conspiracy to deal in cocaine, unlawful possession of illicit narcotics, and tampering with evidence.

Mr. Kyari, once celebrated for his achievements in crime fighting, has maintained his innocence since his arrest. His legal team has argued that the NDLEA’s case against him is fabricated.

The court’s decision paves the way for the continuation of the trial. No date has yet been set for the next hearing.

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