Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari’s bid for release on bail pending trial has been dismissed by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kyari is facing charges related to drug trafficking brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The charges allege that Kyari and his associates tampered with seized cocaine and engaged in drug trafficking, actions said to contravene section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.
Previous attempts by Kyari to secure bail were also unsuccessful, with the Court of Appeal in Abuja upholding the decision.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized that Kyari’s latest bail application lacked merit and failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting judicial discretion in his favor. The judge referenced earlier rulings where similar applications were denied and underscored the need for an accelerated trial.
Furthermore, Justice Nwite rejected Kyari’s arguments against the charges, which Kyari’s legal team, led by Mr. Nureni Jimoh (SAN), had contested as legally defective and premature.
They contended that the NDLEA should have awaited the outcome of internal police investigations before filing charges.
Kyari had previously been granted temporary bail to attend his mother’s burial rites, highlighting the complex legal proceedings surrounding his case.
The court’s decision signals a continuation of legal proceedings against Kyari and his co-defendants as the NDLEA moves forward with prosecution.