In a significant legal blow to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed his bid to quash the drug trafficking charges filed against him. The three-member panel’s decision leaves Kyari and his co-defendants facing serious legal repercussions.
Justice Adebukola Banjoko, delivering the lead judgment, stated unequivocally that there was no basis to interfere with the findings and conclusions reached by the trial court on March 22, 2023. She directed the learned trial judge to proceed with the case at the Federal High Court, emphasizing the appellate court’s stance: “The appeal is found unmeritorious, and it is accordingly dismissed.”
Justices Peter Obiora and Okon Abang concurred with Justice Banjoko’s ruling, solidifying the panel’s unanimous decision against Kyari.
Abba Kyari, once a celebrated figure in the Nigerian police force, argued that the charges against him were legally defective and prematurely filed. He contended that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should have allowed the police to complete their investigation and internal disciplinary actions before proceeding with a formal suit. Kyari asserted that the Police Service Commission holds the authority to investigate and discipline officers, paralleling the role of the National Judicial Council in the judiciary.
Despite these arguments, the appellate court found no merit in Kyari’s claims. This follows the initial rejection of his application by the presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, who maintained that the charges were valid and the case should move forward.
Kyari, along with four members of his team—Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu—faces eight counts of drug trafficking. The court’s decision marks a critical juncture in this high-profile case, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to holding law enforcement officials accountable.
As the trial resumes at the Federal High Court, the spotlight remains on how this case unfolds, reflecting broader implications for police accountability and the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 