The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the substantive drug trafficking case against the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, remains active and is scheduled to continue on March 16 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The agency emphasised that this case, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, is entirely different from another suit in which Kyari was discharged on Thursday.
Justice James Omotosho, on Thursday, discharged Kyari on a 23-count charge relating to alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets filed by the NDLEA.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that the ruling by Justice Omotosho should not be mistaken as the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against the suspended police officer.
“First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case, which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16.
“That one is very much on course. The case determined by Justice Omotosho today is a different case of money laundering and non-declaration of assets”, Babafemi said.
He added that the NDLEA’s prosecution team has been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to study the details and determine whether to challenge the discharge.
“On your question on whether the agency will appeal the ruling or not, the prosecution team has been directed to apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment, which details will help the management take a decision on what to do next,” Babafemi said.
The NDLEA spokesman reiterated the agency’s commitment to pursuing the substantive drug case to its logical conclusion in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
Kyari, a former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, is facing prosecution over alleged involvement in drug-related offences.