The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has retained Abba Kyari, the embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, in custody, despite a N50 million bail being granted to him, News About Nigeria reports.
The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Kyari bail, but the court’s decision does not result in his immediate release due to ongoing developments in a sister-case involving his trial.
Kyari, the former head of the Nigeria Police Response Team (IRT), and his two siblings, Mohammed Baba Kyari and Ali Kyari, were charged before Justice Omotosho for failing to declare their assets to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that Kyari’s bail was granted because he did not attempt to escape during an attack on Kuje Prison in July 2022, demonstrating his willingness to face the allegations and not jump bail.
The judge also acknowledged that the allegations against Kyari are bailable offenses.
However, the endorsement of his release warrant is subject to developments in the related case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, who has refused bail to Kyari and his co-defendants.
Kyari is currently facing charges related to cocaine alongside four members of his former police unit, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT): Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirgba, and John Nuhu.
Two civilians, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were arrested in connection with the charges, have already been sentenced after pleading guilty.
The charges against Kyari include failure to disclose assets and making false affidavits, as specified in the counts read during the court proceedings.
While Kyari awaits further developments in his case, he remains in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service.
