Court gives Abba Kyari and others final chance to file defence witnesses’ list in cocaine trial
Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted suspended Abba Kyari and four police officers a final opportunity to submit their defence witness lists
In Brief
- •Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted suspended Abba Kyari and four police officers a final opportunity to submit their defence witness lists
- •The defendants had previously failed to comply with a 5 October order to provide the names of witnesses they intended to call
- •The case involves 21.35 kg of cocaine seized at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on 19 January 2022, with allegations of tampering and a $61,400 bribe
- •A dispute over a subpoenaed NDLEA duty roster led the court to rule that the officer could not be cross‑examined
- •Judge Nwite warned that non‑compliance could result in forced closure of the defendants’ defence
Why It Matters
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s insistence on procedural compliance in high‑profile corruption cases involving senior police officers. It also highlights the challenges of evidence integrity in drug‑trafficking prosecutions, with potential implications for public trust in law‑enforcement agencies and the broader fight against illicit drug trade in Nigeria.
Key Details
- Defendants
- Abba Kyari, Sunday J. Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirgba, John Nuhu
- Cocaine seized
- 21.35 kg
- Tampered amount
- 17.55 kg
- Bribe amount
- $61,400
- Court order date
- 5 October 2026
- Court ruling date
- 9 October 2026
Context & Background
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) accused the five officers of dealing in cocaine seized from two traffickers at Enugu airport and of tampering with the evidence, leading to a federal court trial.
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