# 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.
- Title: Court gives Abba Kyari final chance to file defense witnesses
- Summary: Suspended police officer Abba Kyari has last chance to submit defense witnesses list in cocaine trial before court closes his case. Suspended police officer…
- Keywords: abba kyari, police, cocaine trial, defense witnesses, federal high court, abuja, ndlea, cocaine, witness list, court order, defense strategy, legal deadline
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/915762-court-gives-abba-kyari-others-final-chance-to-file-defence-witnesses-list-in-cocaine-trial.html
- Author: Ndidiamaka Ede
- Published: 2026-10-09T21:00:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abba kyari, police, cocaine trial, defense witnesses, federal high court, abuja, ndlea, cocaine, witness list, court order, defense strategy, legal deadline
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Suspended police officer Abba Kyari and four others must file defense witnesses by Oct 12 or risk court closing their cocaine trial defense.