Has Supercop Abba Kyari Been Freed?
A claim circulating online states that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of a 23-count charge bordering on alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. This has generated attention because of Kyari’s long-running legal troubles.
Who Is Abba Kyari?
Abba Kyari is a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police who once headed the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force.
He rose to national prominence for leading high-profile criminal investigations, his reputation was sullied by allegations linking him to international fraud suspect Ramon Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi in 2021. Following those allegations, multiple investigations and criminal charges were initiated against him.
What Charges Were Filed Against Kyari?
The charges referenced in the claim relate to a 23-count charge allegedly filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
The case is separate from the earlier allegations tied to cybercrime investigations. Instead, the counts reportedly focused on failure to declare assets properly, which is a legal requirement for public officials in Nigeria. Asset declaration obligations are overseen by the Code of Conduct Bureau and violations can lead to prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
What Really Happened?
On March 5, 2026, James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kyari and his two brothers of a 23-count charge related to alleged non-declaration of assets and related financial offences brought by the NDLEA.
The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt, meaning the evidence presented was insufficient to establish that the assets cited actually belonged to Kyari or that he intentionally concealed them.
Justice Omotosho therefore dismissed the charges and acquitted the defendants on all counts.
Important Clarification
A Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Abba Kyari of the 23-count non-declaration of assets charge filed by the NDLEA due to insufficient evidence. Although Kyari was acquitted in this asset declaration case, he still faces a separate criminal trial related to alleged drug trafficking. NDLEA has clarified that the court ruling does not affect the ongoing drug-related case, which remains before another judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
