Embattled senior police officer, Abba Kyari
Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari on Wednesday firmly insisted that he fully disclosed all his assets — and those of his wife — as required by law, telling a Federal High Court in Abuja that allegations of concealment were fabricated.
Kyari, who is on trial for alleged nondisclosure of assets, restated his position during continued cross-examination by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) counsel, Sunday Joseph, before Justice James Omotosho.
Joseph challenged the former police intelligence chief over properties linked to him by investigators. “I put it to you that everything you said about the properties was untrue,” the NDLEA lawyer said.
Kyari pushed back forcefully. “I have declared all my assets, and I have declared the assets of my wife,” he replied. He accused investigators of misleading the court, adding: “They went and lie at the Federal High Court in Maiduguri that I declared the Polo Ground (in Borno) as my asset. Everything I and my wife have, I have declared them.”
He also told the court he never benefited from the sale of his late father’s properties. “I did not get anything from my father’s properties. I did not get even ‘shishi’ from the properties,” he said.
With the prosecution’s cross-examination concluded, Kyari’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed the court there would be no re-examination. Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants — Kyari’s brothers, Mohammed and Ali — also said they would not call witnesses, opting instead to rest their defence on the prosecution’s evidence.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to December 12 for the adoption of final written addresses.
Kyari had earlier denied ownership of several properties listed by the NDLEA, telling the court that some belonged to his late father, who had “about 30 children.” He also dismissed claims that he owned a large polo ground in Borno, saying he was surprised to see it linked to him.
The NDLEA’s 23-count charge accuses Kyari and his brothers of failing to declare assets, disguising ownership of properties, and converting money — offences which fall under the NDLEA Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. They have all pleaded not guilty.
The anti-narcotics agency has already called 10 witnesses and tendered over 20 exhibits. Kyari’s no-case submission was dismissed after the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to open his defence.
The legal battle resumes in December as both parties prepare to present their final arguments.
