By Jude Obiakor (Judiciary Correspondent, in Abuja)
The suspended former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari and six of his alleged accomplices in a case of drug trafficking related offences, were, on Monday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) amidst tight security mounted at the court entry gate by a combined team of Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the NDLEA.
Both staff of the court and visitors were thoroughly frisked by security operatives, and especially visitors carrying bags were properly screened of their contents before being allowed into the court premises.
The Anti-Narcortic Agency brought against DCP Abba kyari an eight count criminal charges bothering on trafficking in hard drugs. Kyari is also a wanted man in the United States of America for his alleged criminal dealings with convicted international fraudster, Ramon Abass popularly known as ‘Hushpuppi’.
Kari was brought to court for trial on Monday, March 7, 2022 alongside six others which includes four police officers and two civilians. The six persons are: an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Sunday Ubua, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Bawa James, Police Inspector Simon Agirigba, Police pInspector John Nuhu, Chibuinna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022 was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and signed by Mr Joseph Sunday, NDLEA Director, Prosecution and Legal Services
The prosecuting NDLEA told the court that between January 19 and 25 this year, Kyari was found by the agency to have dealt in 17.55 kilograms of cocaine. Besides, he is being charged with obstruction of justice and attempted bribery of NDLEA officers.
They however pleaded not guilty to the charges against them before Hon.Justice Emeka Nwite. NNL.
