Abba Kyari denies ownership of properties linked to him by NDLEA

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari has denied owning the properties linked to him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in his ongoing trial over alleged non-disclosure of assets.

Testifying on Tuesday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kyari said that some of the assets in question actually belonged to his late father, who had “about 30 children.”

The former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) said he was shocked by the allegations, explaining that all official documents related to the properties are kept with the Borno State Ministry of Land.

Kyari also dismissed claims that he owned a polo ground in Borno, insisting that such a large piece of land was beyond his means.

“Even Dangote, who is the richest man in Nigeria, does not own such a property; how much more someone like me,” he told the court.
“The polo ground had been in existence even when I was a child. We used to go there to play.”

However, Kyari admitted owning a farmland along the Abuja–Kaduna road, which he said he had managed for about ten years.

He further confirmed operating bank accounts with UBA, Access Bank, and GTBank, noting that the £7,000 found in his domiciliary account was duly declared before his accounts were later frozen by the prosecution.

Kyari also distanced himself from the controversial Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu drug operation — the incident that led to his suspension — alleging that NDLEA officers at the airport were complicit in the drug deal.

“I was not arrested because of the allegations. I voluntarily submitted myself for investigation through my office,” he said.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 5 for continuation of trial.

Earlier, on October 28, the court dismissed a no-case submission filed by Kyari and his two brothers, ruling that a prima facie case had been established against them.

“The defendants are still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge held.

The NDLEA, in a 23-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022), accused Abba Kyari, Mohammed Kyari, and Ali Kyari of failing to fully disclose their assets, disguising ownership of property, and converting funds — offences that contravene section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

After the prosecution closed its case, having called 10 witnesses and tendered 20 exhibits, the defendants entered a no-case submission, which was overruled by the court.

Kyari and four other suspended police officers are also facing a separate trial before Justice Emeka Nwite over their alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking case.

Two co-defendants in that case, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment in 2022.