Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari on Tuesday denied ownership of several properties linked to him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in an ongoing trial over alleged non-disclosure of assets.
Testifying before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kyari who appeared as the first defence witness claimed that some of the properties belonged to his late father, who had about 30 children.
Led in evidence by his counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Kyari expressed shock over the allegations, saying the property documents were with the Ministry of Lands in Borno State.
He specifically denied owning the expansive polo ground in the state, calling the claim “ridiculous.”
“Even Dangote, Nigeria’s richest man, doesn’t own such a property. The polo ground existed since my childhood we used to play there,” he said.
However, Kyari admitted owning a farmland along the Abuja–Kaduna Road, which he said he had managed for over a decade. He also confirmed operating accounts with UBA, Access Bank, and GTBank, adding that the £7,000 found in his domiciliary account had been duly declared as required by law.
According to him, the accounts were later frozen by prosecutors.
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Kyari maintained that he was not part of the police team that arrested two drug traffickers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, alleging that NDLEA officers at the airport were complicit in the incident.
He further stated that he voluntarily submitted himself for investigation, contrary to reports that he was arrested.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until November 5 for continuation of trial.
Earlier, the judge had dismissed Kyari’s no-case submission, ruling that the NDLEA had established a prima facie case against him and his co-defendants to warrant entering their defence.
The NDLEA, in a 23-count charge, accused Kyari and his brothers, Mohammed and Ali, of failing to declare their assets and disguising ownership of properties, in violation of the NDLEA Act and Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The agency had called ten witnesses and presented over 20 exhibits before resting its case.
Kyari’s counsel argued that the NDLEA failed to provide certified title documents proving the alleged ownership, as required under Section 128 of the Evidence Act.
Kyari is also facing a separate trial before Justice Emeka Nwite on charges related to an alleged cocaine deal. Two traffickers arrested in the case have since been convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
