Nigerian Court Denies Bail to Former Police Commander Abba Kyari

A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to Abba Kyari, the suspended former commander of the Intelligence Response Team, citing the severity of the charges against him.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that Kyari’s alleged offenses carry a maximum sentence of 25 years, exceeding the threshold for bail.

Kyari and four others are facing trial for drug-related charges, including conspiracy to deal in cocaine and tampering with evidence. The court granted an accelerated hearing in the case, which has been ongoing since Kyari’s arrest over two years ago.

Kyari had previously been granted a two-week bail to attend to his mother’s burial rites, but the court has now refused to extend that order.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has accused Kyari and his deputy of receiving large sums of money in their bank accounts, which they allegedly used to tamper with evidence and engage in other illegal activities.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with many accusing Kyari and his team of gross human rights abuses and corruption.

The court’s decision to deny bail is seen as a step towards holding Kyari accountable for his alleged crimes.