Abba Kyari Releases Explosive Video Alleging NDLEA Operatives Aid Drug Traffickers

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has presented a video before the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency aided drug traffickers at airport facilities.

According to credible court reports, Kyari is currently facing trial alongside members of the Intelligence Response Team over alleged drug-related offences. Those standing trial with him include ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, as well as ASP John Umoru, who remains at large.

The case also involves two convicted drug traffickers, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who were previously arraigned in 2022 by the NDLEA over similar offences. The duo were later convicted and sentenced after pleading guilty to the charges.

During proceedings, a defence witness from the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector El-John Nwoke, recounted how the suspects were arrested at Enugu Airport with a 21.55-kilogram consignment of cocaine. While being led in evidence by defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness told the court that the traffickers claimed they had previously operated under the protection of NDLEA officials.

He further stated that the suspects expressed surprise at their arrest, alleging they had been cleared by NDLEA operatives on the day they were intercepted by police authorities.

A 27-minute video recorded by the police on January 20, 2022, was also tendered in court, in which one of the convicted traffickers, Ezenwanne, reportedly admitted awareness that the substance in question was cocaine and disclosed it was his second time transporting the illicit drug. He further alleged that airport officials often did not conduct thorough searches due to familiarity with their movements.

Following the testimony, presiding judge Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to May 20 and 21 for continuation of hearing.

Kyari was recently discharged and acquitted alongside two of his brothers in a separate case involving allegations of false asset declaration.