Abba Kyari and his two brothers discharged of a 23-count charge involving alleged non-declaration of assets.

 A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and his two brothers of a 23-count charge involving alleged non-declaration of assets.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho, marked a significant development in one of the legal battles facing the once-celebrated police officer widely known as Nigeria's "supercop." The court found that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which brought the case, failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

Abba Kyari, along with his younger brothers Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, faced accusations centered on failing to fully disclose assets, conspiracy, and allegedly swearing false affidavits to hide the true ownership of several properties. The disputed assets included landed properties in locations such as Fountain Estate in Karsana (registered under the name Ramatu Kyari), Linda Chuko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and others in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho described the prosecution's evidence as "watery" and lacking substance. He emphasized that the NDLEA presented no sufficient documents, witness testimonies, or other proof conclusively linking Abba Kyari to ownership of the properties in question. The judge pointed out that proving ownership of real estate typically requires clear evidence like title documents, registration records, or direct testimony none of which the agency adequately provided.

The court went further, criticizing the inclusion of Kyari's brothers in the conspiracy counts as unsubstantiated and appearing to be in bad faith. Justice Omotosho noted that the defendants had rendered valuable service to the nation and should not be subjected to what he termed "persecution." He concluded by discharging and acquitting all three men on every count, bringing this particular chapter of the legal proceedings to a close.

Abba Kyari's troubles began gaining widespread attention several years ago, following his suspension from the Nigeria Police Force amid international scrutiny over alleged links to a high-profile internet fraud case involving Nigerian influencer Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi. That controversy led to his removal from the Intelligence Response Team he once led and a series of investigations.

The asset declaration case before Justice Omotosho stemmed from separate charges filed by the NDLEA, which alleged financial improprieties tied to undeclared properties and related offenses. The agency called multiple witnesses and tendered various exhibits during the trial, but the defense successfully argued that the evidence fell short of the required standard in criminal proceedings.

Importantly, this acquittal is limited to the non-declaration of assets and associated money laundering allegations. Other matters involving Abba Kyari remain active. The NDLEA has clarified that its primary drug trafficking case against him stemming from allegations of involvement in cocaine importation is ongoing before another judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, with proceedings scheduled to continue soon.

The outcome has drawn mixed reactions across Nigeria. Supporters of Kyari, who built a reputation for high-profile arrests and crime-fighting successes earlier in his career, view the ruling as vindication against what they see as targeted harassment. Critics, however, point to the big cloud still hanging over him due to unresolved cases and past controversies.

As Abba Kyari exits the courtroom cleared in this instance, attention now move to the remaining legal fronts and what they might mean for his future in or out of the police force.