The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, approved Kyari’s bail request in relation to the charge of failing to declare assets to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, along with his siblings Baba Kyari and Ali Kyari. Bail was granted on the condition that Kyari pay a sum of N50 million and provide two sureties who possess properties valued at N25 million within the court’s jurisdiction.
In addition, Kyari and his sureties are required to submit their international passports, statement of accounts, title deeds of the properties, and recent passport photographs to the court registrar. It was further stated that Kyari’s release warrant is subject to the outcome of another ongoing case before Justice Emeka Nwite, where he is being tried alongside four others for drug-related offenses.
The judge emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting Kyari posed a flight risk or would evade his trial. Notably, the court acknowledged Kyari’s claim that he remained in Kuje prison during a recent prison break and chose not to escape despite the opportunity.
“On the possibility of the 1st defendant attending his trial, it is pertinent to state that, according to the affidavits in support of the application, the applicant stated that he was in detention at the Kuje prisons when the jailbreak of 5th July 2022 occurred and he stayed put, even though he had the opportunity of escaping.
“This deposition was not challenged by the complainant/respondent which means it is admitted. This shows that the applicant is unwilling to run away from his trial and has shown a willingness to attend court when required.
“This piece of fact will work in favour of the applicant, in that, it is proof to the court that the applicant would not jump bail if granted the same. I note that there have been rulings denying the 1st defendant/applicant bail.
“He has not committed a capital offence nor has it been proved that he is a flight risk. I, therefore, exercise my discretion in favour of the defendant/applicant.”
The court postponed the continuation of the case until October 18, indicating that further hearings will take place on that date.
