Court Acquits Abba Kyari, Brothers of Asset Declaration and Money Laundering Charges

T The Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers over allegations bordering on asset declaration and money laundering.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho of Court 8 in Abuja, in a case instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The charge, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, contained 23 counts against Kyari and others. After hearing testimonies from witnesses and reviewing evidence presented during the trial, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho subsequently discharged and acquitted Kyari alongside his brothers, Muhammed Baba Kyari and Ali Baba Kyari, of all the charges contained in the suit.

> “The prosecution failed to establish the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt as required by law,” the court held in its ruling.



The case had lasted for more than four years and attracted widespread public attention, with Kyari facing intense scrutiny and reputational damage during the period.

Legal observers noted that the ruling reaffirmed the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Despite the acquittal in the asset declaration and money laundering case, another matter involving Kyari is still pending before the Federal High Court. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022 and also instituted by the NDLEA against Kyari and four others, has already seen the prosecution close its case, while the defence has begun presenting its evidence.

Reacting to the judgment, supporters described the verdict as a significant legal victory and a demonstration of the rule of law. They expressed hope that justice, fairness, and due process would continue to guide judicial proceedings in the country.