BY USMAN MOHAMMED, MARCH 05, 2026 | 12:42 PM
A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former police officer Abba Kyari and his two brothers of charges related to alleged false asset declaration and money laundering.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Court 8 in Abuja.
The case, filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, involved a 23-count charge under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022.
The charges were brought against Kyari and others over allegations bordering on asset declaration and money laundering.
During the proceedings, the prosecution called witnesses and presented evidence before the court.
However, in his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard required in criminal trials.
Consequently, the court discharged and acquitted Kyari alongside his brothers, Muhammed Baba Kyari and Ali Baba Kyari, of all the charges contained in the suit.
The case had lasted for more than four years and drew significant public attention, with Kyari facing intense scrutiny and media coverage throughout the trial.
Legal observers note that the judgment underscores the principle that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
Despite the acquittal in the asset declaration and money laundering case, Kyari still faces another ongoing trial before the Federal High Court.
The separate case, Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria (NDLEA) v. DCP Abba Kyari & 4 Others, remains pending.
In that matter, the prosecution has already closed its case, while the defence is currently presenting its evidence before the court.
The latest judgment marks a significant development in one of the most closely watched legal battles involving the former police officer.
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