Court Moves to Fast-Track Abba Kyari, Others’ Drug Trial

Court Moves to Fast-Track Abba Kyari, Others’ Drug Trial

Judge Orders Continuous Hearing as Kyari, Four Other Police Officers Resume Defence

By The Analyst

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has moved to fast-track the trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and four other police officers facing drug-related charges brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that proceedings should continue on a day-to-day basis until the conclusion of the case, signalling a fresh push to bring the long-running trial to an end.

Kyari and the other defendants returned to court on Tuesday as the defence phase of the proceedings resumed after an earlier interruption linked to Justice Nwite's recommendation for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

The NDLEA, through its counsel, Sunday Joseph, told the court that the parties had agreed that the trial should proceed while awaiting developments concerning the judge's possible elevation.

The defence, however, requested time to properly review portions of the evidence already presented and prepare for further cross-examination.

One of the key witnesses, Inspector El-John Nwonke, had completed his testimony in March, but his continued participation in the proceedings has been affected by his official assignment outside Nigeria.

The development prompted the court to impose a more rigorous timetable.

Justice Nwite subsequently directed that the case proceed continuously until its conclusion, with the matter adjourned to October 5, 2026, for further proceedings.

WHAT IS AT STAKE

Kyari, formerly head of the Police Intelligence Response Team, is standing trial alongside ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba and Inspector John Nuhu in the NDLEA case.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants were involved in offences connected with cocaine seized from two convicted drug traffickers.

The defendants have denied wrongdoing and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.

The latest order is therefore significant not because it determines the guilt or innocence of the accused, but because it removes another potential source of delay and places the trial on a more accelerated footing.

The case is expected to return to the courtroom on October 5, when the defence proceedings will continue.

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