The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 26, 2026, for judgment in the asset declaration case instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and former head of the Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Friday after parties in the suit adopted their final written addresses. Counsel to the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, Kyari’s lead lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and counsel representing Kyari’s brothers, Monjok Agom, all presented arguments for and against the charges before the court.
Kyari is standing trial alongside his brothers, Mohammed and Ali Kyari, on a 23-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022. The NDLEA accused the defendants of failing to fully disclose their assets and allegedly concealing ownership of properties as well as converting funds.
According to the anti-drug agency, investigations uncovered about 14 assets allegedly linked to Abba Kyari, including shopping complexes, a residential estate, a polo field, parcels of land and farmlands. The NDLEA claimed the properties were located in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Maiduguri, Borno State, and were not declared as required by law. It further alleged that more than ₦207 million and €17,598 were traced to Kyari’s bank accounts.
The agency said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the NDLEA Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
During the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered over 20 exhibits. After the NDLEA closed its case, Kyari filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish ownership of the disputed properties. The court dismissed the application on October 28, ruling that a prima facie case had been made and directing the defendants to open their defence.
Kyari subsequently testified in his defence, insisting that he properly declared his assets and those of his wife in accordance with the law. He denied owning several properties attributed to him, stating that some belonged to his late father, who he said had about 30 children. He also rejected claims linking him to a polo playground in Borno State.
The former police officer concluded his testimony on November 26, while his brothers opted not to call witnesses, choosing instead to rely on the prosecution’s case.
Kyari is also facing a separate NDLEA prosecution over an alleged cocaine trafficking deal involving police officers, a case currently before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Both matters were filed in 2022.