Federal Court Schedules 2026 Judgment In NDLEA’s Case Against Ex-DCP Abba Kyari

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 26, 2026, for its judgment in the case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari. The former commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team is standing trial alongside his brothers, Mohammed and Ali, over allegations bordering on failure to declare assets.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the judgment date after counsel for both the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses and delivered their concluding arguments. The anti-narcotics agency had earlier filed a 23-count charge alleging that Kyari and his siblings failed to disclose multiple properties said to have been traced to him.

Investigators reportedly uncovered 14 properties linked to the suspended officer, including shopping complexes, a residential estate, land holdings, a polo field, and farmlands situated in Abuja and Maiduguri. The agency also claimed that more than ₦207 million and €17,598 were found across multiple bank accounts operated by Kyari.

The defendants were further accused of concealing ownership of the said assets and converting funds in violation of the NDLEA Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. All three defendants entered not-guilty pleas. The NDLEA presented 10 witnesses and tendered 20 exhibits while prosecuting the case.

Kyari filed a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its evidence, arguing that there was no direct link between him and the properties. However, the court dismissed the application on October 28, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring the defendants to open their defence.

The suspended officer began his defence on November 4, insisting that he legally declared all his assets and those of his wife. He denied ownership of several properties listed by the NDLEA, arguing that many belonged to his late father, who had a large family. Kyari also rejected claims that he owned a polo field in Borno State, describing the allegation as surprising.

After being examined by his counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and cross-examined by NDLEA lawyers, Kyari closed his defence on November 26, 2025. His brothers, Mohammed and Ali, through their lawyer Monjok Agom, informed the court that they would not be calling witnesses and would rely on the prosecution’s evidence.

According to Ireporter Online, this asset-declaration case is distinct from Kyari’s separate trial on alleged cocaine-related offences before another judge of the Federal High Court. Both cases were initiated by the NDLEA in 2022.