Cocaine Deal: Again, court rejects Abba Kyari’s bail application

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant the bail application of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, who is being investigated over his alleged involvement in a 25 kilogrammes cocaine deal.  The judge, Inyang Ekwo, had earlier on February 21, rejected Kyari’s ex parte application, which was anchored on health […]

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant the bail application of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, who is being investigated over his alleged involvement in a 25 kilogrammes cocaine deal. 

The judge, Inyang Ekwo, had earlier on February 21, rejected Kyari’s ex parte application, which was anchored on health grounds.

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Premium Times reported that Mr Ekwo had, in his ruling, directed Kyari’s legal team to serve the application on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In another ruling, on Monday, Mr Ekwo ruled that the bail application had been overtaken by events in view of an order of a sister court, granting NDLEA permission to detain Kyari for another 14 days, to enable it to conclude its investigation. 

Mr Ekwo held that the earlier detention order was made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, saying, “This court is not likely going to make an order contrary to the order that had been made.”

The judge, however, said he would hear Kyari’s fundamental enforcement rights suit with the urgency it deserves after the expiration of the 14-day court order.

“The application for bail is refused,” the judge declared.

Addressing Mr Kyari’s concerns over ill-health, the judge held “the respondent (NDLEA) shall allow the applicant (Mr Kyari) access to his prescribed and verified medication while in custody in accordance with the order of this court made on February 22.”

Subsequently, the court adjourned Mr Kyari’s suit for the enforcement of his fundamental rights until March 15.

A judge of the Federal High Court Zainab Abubakar had granted the agency’s application to have Kyari and others suspects linked to the alleged drug trafficking detained for 14 more days, to complete its investigation.