Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and former head of Police Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari has told the Federal High Court in Abuja while being cross-examined by counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in the ongoing trial that properties linked to him was his late father left over 20 houses for him and other 29 siblings as inheritance in Maiduguri, Borno.
He explained that his father left more than 20 houses, some of which were sold to pay for medical expenses before his death. Kyari argued that since he had not received his allocated share, he could not declare the properties in his asset form.
Kyari is currently facing a 23-count charge alongside two co-defendants over allegations of failure to declare assets, disguising property ownership, and converting funds, contrary to provisions of the NDLEA Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The court previously dismissed their no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
During cross-examination, Kyari maintained that the NDLEA failed to prove ownership, emphasizing that proper documentation under the Evidence Act was not presented.
He also defended the source of funds traced to his bank accounts, stating that they were operational funds provided by the police and some governors for security assignments, and that some money was routed through relatives to repay loans used to urgently fund operations. Kyari admitted he initially refused to complete the asset declaration form without his lawyers present. The case was adjourned until November 12 for continuation of hearing.
