UPDATED: ABBA KYARI CLEARED BY ABUJA HIGH COURT

Mr. Kyari was charged alongside his two brothers, who were accused of submitting false affidavits to conceal the origins of certain properties.

In its judgment, the court held that the NDLEA failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its case, which primarily concerned the alleged non-declaration of land properties.

Justice Omotosho noted that ownership of landed property can be established through traditional records, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection.

The prosecution, however, did not provide any documents to prove that the properties in Fountain Estate, Kasana, belonging to Ramatu Kyari, were owned by Abba Kyari.

The court ruled that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, describing the trial as an act of “persecution.”

The court also ruled that the prosecution failed to provide evidence linking Mr. Kyari to properties on Linda Choko Road, Asokoro, or in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In his defense, Mr. Kyari stated that the properties in Borno belonged to his late father and were inherited by him and his siblings. The prosecution offered no evidence to refute this claim.

The court further noted that the charges against Mr. Kyari’s brothers, alleging conspiracy, were brought in bad faith and were not substantiated.

Overall, the court described the NDLEA’s case as weak and unconvincing.

The court noted that the defendant has served the country faithfully and should not be subjected to persecution.