Court Orders DCP Abba Kyari to Open Defence in Drug Trafficking Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari to enter his defence in the ongoing drug trafficking case brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The ruling was delivered on Thursday, April 11, 2025, by Justice Emeka Nwite.

Justice Nwite held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Kyari and four other co-defendants, warranting them to respond to the charges leveled against them. The judge dismissed the no-case submission filed by Kyari’s legal team, which had argued that the evidence presented by the NDLEA was insufficient to require a defence.

The court’s decision came after the NDLEA concluded its case, during which several witnesses were called and exhibits tendered, including video recordings, documents, and testimonies by officers involved in the investigation. The judge said the evidence presented raised serious issues that the defendants must address.

DCP Kyari, a former commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), was arrested in February 2022 following allegations of involvement in a drug deal linked to a criminal syndicate operating across international borders. The NDLEA accused Kyari and others of tampering with drug exhibits and attempting to bribe officials of the agency.

Kyari and his co-defendants were arraigned on multiple counts of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in narcotics. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty at the time of arraignment.

In their no-case submission, Kyari’s lawyers argued that the prosecution failed to prove any elements of the charges and that the evidence lacked credibility. They urged the court to dismiss the case and discharge the defendants. However, the judge disagreed, stating that the prosecution had presented enough material for the accused to respond to in a full trial.

Justice Nwite emphasized that at the current stage, the court was not required to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendants but to assess whether there was sufficient evidence that could lead to a conviction if left unchallenged. He ruled that the defence must now present their side of the story.

With the ruling, Kyari and the other accused will be required to open their defence at the next stage of the trial. The court is expected to set a date for the commencement of the defence proceedings.

The case has attracted national and international attention due to Kyari’s high-profile status and past reputation as a decorated police officer known for tackling high-level crimes. His suspension from the Nigeria Police Force followed shortly after the drug trafficking allegations emerged.

The NDLEA has consistently maintained that the case against Kyari is backed by credible evidence and insists that due process is being followed. The agency has also stated that the prosecution reflects its commitment to accountability and integrity in the war against drug trafficking.

Legal analysts have noted that the trial could serve as a significant test of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in handling cases involving high-ranking law enforcement officials. The outcome of the case is likely to influence public perception of the country’s efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.

As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on the defence team to see how they respond to the charges and evidence presented by the prosecution. The court’s next sitting is expected to focus on the presentation of defence witnesses and the examination of their testimonies.