Court refuses Abba Kyari, ACP Ubua bail over alleged drug deal

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the application for bail filed by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sunday J. Ubua.

Kyari was on March 7, arraigned alongside Sunday J Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu who are members of the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — two alleged drug traffickers who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, the agency accused the defendants of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms.

Upon arraignment, Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty.

However, the sixth and seventh defendants pleaded guilty and begged the court to “have mercy”.

Mahmoud Magaji, lawyer who moved Kyari and Ubia’s (second defendant) bail application, prayed the court to grant his client’s bail.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Monday morning, held that the prosecution has placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant the refusal of bail to both senior police officers.

The court held that the NDLEA has placed sufficient evidence before the court enough for it to refuse bail.

The NDLEA in its counter-affidavits to Mr Kyari’s bail application held that it is inappropriate to grant bail to the applicant because of the facts and circumstances of the case.

The applicant is already facing extradition on charges of wire fraud.

The 2nd applicant who is an Assistant Superintendent of police is under investigation for money laundering and may face charges on same.

The applicant has had dealings with criminals in line with his duty and may be inclined to engage them in interfering with the evidence.

The medical challenges of the applicant are not beyond the capacity of the NDLEA.

The applicant is a flight risk and might jump bail.