The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday slapped an eight-count charge bordering on drug trafficking on the suspended deputy commissioner of police, Mr. Abba Kyari.
Kyari was charged alongside four other senior police officers and two civilians in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022 filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and signed by NDLEA director of prosecution and legal services, Mr. Joseph Sunday.
Those charged along with the embattled DCP are, assistant commissioner of police, Mr. Sunday Ubua, assistant superintendent of police, Mr. Bawa James, Messrs Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu.
The two civilians are Messrs Chibuinna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.
According to the NDLEA, Kyari, Ubua, Bawa James, Agirigba and Nuhu, all of the Intelligence Response Team allegedly dealt in 17. 55 kilogrammes of cocaine between January 19, 2022 and January 25, 2022.
The offence, NDLEA contended, is punishable under section 14 (b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP 30 Laws of Nigeria 2004.
“That Kyari, Ubua, Bawa, Agirigba and Nuhu, all male, adult on or about January 19 and 25, 2022, at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court dealt in 17.55 kilogrammes of cocaine without lawful authority and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of Nigeria 2004,” count two read.
Meanwhile, the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, said the decision to commence Kyari’s extradition process to the U.S. was reached at after thorough study and review of issues regarding the application.
In a statement dated March 3, 2022 and issued by his spokesman, Dr. Umaru Gwandu, the AGF said after receiving the extradition request its review, his office processed the application and forwarded it to the relevant authorities for action.
