From Premium Times Nigeria · Ndidiamaka Ede · · 1m 50s
Court gives Abba Kyari final chance to file defense witnesses
Suspended police officer Abba Kyari has last chance to submit defense witnesses list in cocaine trial before court closes his case.
In brief
Suspended police officer Abba Kyari has last chance to submit defense witnesses list in cocaine trial before court closes his case. Suspended police officer Abba Kyari and four others must file defense witnesses by Oct 12 or risk court closing their cocaine trial defense. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Court order for defense witnesses
Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave suspended Abba Kyari and four police officers a final chance to file defense witnesses lists in their cocaine trial.
Defendants' compliance failure
The court records show none of the defendants complied with the judge's 5 October order to submit witness names for their defense.
Defendants in trial
Abba Kyari, a deputy commissioner of police under suspension, faces trial with four members of his defunct Police Intelligence Response Team.
Cocaine charges
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency accused the five officers of dealing in 21.35kg of cocaine seized from two traffickers at Enugu airport on 19 January 2022.
Tampering charges
The officers were also accused of tampering with the cocaine by removing 17.55kg and replacing it with another substance.
Offering money charge
One charge specifically accused Mr Kyari of offering $61,400 to an NDLEA operative to prevent cocaine testing.
Subpoena dispute
The defense sought a list of NDLEA personnel at Enugu airport when traffickers arrived but the prosecution challenged the subpoena's validity.
Witness discharge
The court discharged an officer subpoenaed to produce the NDLEA airport duty roster without allowing cross-examination.
Defense witness setback
The defense's second witness, El-John Nwonke, was absent for multiple court dates and his testimony was foreclosed by the judge.
Final deadline
The judge warned the defendants must file their defense witnesses lists by the next court sitting on 12 October or risk premature closure of their defense.
The key point
Suspended police officer Abba Kyari and four others must file defense witnesses by Oct 12 or risk court closing their cocaine trial defense.
