NDLEA Says Court Did Not Acquit Abba Kyari of Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari is still ongoing despite his recent discharge in a separate court case.

The agency said the substantive drug-related charges remain before Emeka Nwite, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the next hearing scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The clarification follows a ruling by James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge involving alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.

According to the NDLEA, the decision relates to a different case and should not be interpreted as an acquittal of the suspended police officer in the drug trafficking allegations filed against him.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency issued the clarification to prevent confusion about the status of the drug case.

He explained that the prosecution team had been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding on the next legal step.

“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, 2026. That one is very much on course,” Babafemi said.

He added that once the Certified True Copy of the judgment is obtained, the agency’s legal team will review it and advise the NDLEA leadership on whether to appeal the ruling.

The development underscores the ongoing legal battles facing Kyari, as the anti-narcotics agency maintains that it will continue to pursue the drug trafficking charges through the courts.