Court rejects fresh bail request, upholds charges against suspended policeman Kyari in drug trafficking trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fresh bail application by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and four other officers.

The court also dismissed a motion challenging the validity of the charges filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Judge Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, ruled that the defence’s arguments were without merit. This came after an earlier denial of bail and the dismissal of a similar challenge to the charges in March 2023.

Not satisfied with the rejection of his objections to the trial, the former super cop took the matter to the appeals court where he also lost on Thursday.

In its ruling, the three-judge panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, stated that the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CR/516/2023, was without merit.

Also Read: DPR cuts salaries by 50% for 6 months to combat hardship

The appeals court said it found no reason to change the findings and conclusions reached on the matter by the trial judge.

“In conclusion, this court finds no reason to disturb the findings and conclusions reached by the judge of the Federal High Court, and in the judgment delivered on 22 March 2023 affirmed.

“The honorable trial judge is ordered to continue and conclude the trial at the Federal High Court.

“The appeal is deemed to be without merit and is therefore dismissed,” the appeals court said.

Other panel members who agreed with the verdict were Justices Peter Obiora and Okon Abang.

The NDLEA accused Mr. Kyari and other defendants of being involved in a drug trafficking operation in January 2022. The charges include conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession of illegal narcotics and fabrication of evidence.

Mr Kyari, once lauded for his anti-crime exploits, has maintained his innocence since his arrest. His lawyers have argued that the NDLEA case against him is fabricated.

The court ruling paves the way for the trial to continue. No date has been set for the next hearing.

Court rejects fresh bail plea, upholds charges against suspended cop Kyari in drug trafficking trial first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.