Abba Kyari’s trial over alleged undeclared assets continues as NDLEA presents evidence, with the Federal High Court fixing February 26, 2026, judgment.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has set February 26, 2026, for the delivery of judgment in the high-profile case involving suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two younger brothers.
The case, instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revolves around allegations of non-disclosure of assets and unlawful accumulation of wealth.
Abba Kyari, the former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), is facing a 23-count charge alongside Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, brought by the NDLEA.
The anti-narcotics agency claims that the defendants failed to declare multiple properties, funds, and other valuable assets under their control.
These alleged properties include shopping malls, residential estates, parcels of land, farmland, and even a polo playground in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Investigations by the NDLEA reportedly uncovered large sums of money in bank accounts linked to Abba Kyari, totaling over ₦207 million and €17,598.
These funds were held across multiple banks, including Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Sterling Bank.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, accuse the Kyari brothers of disguising the ownership of assets and converting money unlawfully.
The offences are said to contravene the NDLEA Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
During the trial, all three defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Sunday Joseph, called 10 witnesses and tendered at least 20 exhibits to substantiate its claims.
The evidence presented included documents, bank statements, and property records, aimed at proving that Abba Kyari and his siblings failed to declare assets as required by law.
At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, Kyari’s legal team, led by senior lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, filed a no-case submission.
The submission argued that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to establish that the assets in question belonged to Abba Kyari or his brothers.
However, Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on October 28, 2025, dismissed the no-case submission, holding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case and that the defendants must clarify issues surrounding the alleged assets.
Kyari opened his defence on November 4, 2025, maintaining that he had properly declared all his assets and those of his wife according to the law.
He denied ownership of several properties listed by the NDLEA, explaining that some belonged to his late father, who had more than 30 children.
He also rejected claims that he owned the polo playground in Borno State.
During cross-examination by the NDLEA, Kyari further insisted that the prosecution’s evidence did not adequately prove that the assets were under his control.
He argued that inheritance and family ownership complicated the allegations and that he had adhered to the statutory requirement for asset declaration.
Kyari concluded his evidence on November 26, after answering questions from the prosecution’s legal team.
Meanwhile, Kyari’s brothers, Mohammed and Ali, opted not to call any witnesses in their defence.
Their lawyer, Monjok Agom, confirmed that they would rely on the prosecution’s evidence and the testimony of Kyari to make their case before the court.
This decision effectively rested their defence entirely on the arguments and evidence presented by the NDLEA.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to Abba Kyari’s high-profile position within the Nigeria Police Force and his involvement in notable law enforcement operations.
Legal analysts have pointed out that the case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable for asset declaration and transparency.
As proceedings continue, the Federal High Court has emphasized the importance of adherence to due process and the need for a comprehensive review of evidence before delivering a judgment.
The court’s decision on February 26, 2026, is expected to set a significant precedent for how cases of alleged asset concealment by high-ranking public officers are handled in Nigeria.
The NDLEA’s persistent prosecution underscores the agency’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases of undeclared assets, particularly among law enforcement officials.
For Abba Kyari, the outcome of this trial may have far-reaching implications for his career, personal reputation, and broader discussions around accountability in public service.
The trial of Abba Kyari and his two brothers over alleged non-disclosure of assets continues to unfold with evidence, legal arguments, and testimony shaping the proceedings.
The court has now fixed February 26, 2026, for judgment, as all parties await a ruling that could have major ramifications for anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.
Ireport247news
