A federal high court in Abuja on Monday ordered that the disgraced and suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Abba Kyari be remanded at a correctional centre pending the conclusion of his trial.
Kyari has been in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) since February 12 over his involvement in drugs distribution.
He was arraigned on March 7 alongside Sunday J Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu who are members of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — two alleged drug traffickers who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The Agency had accused the suspects in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022 of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms, TheCable reports.
Upon arraignment, Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty. However, the sixth and seventh defendants pleaded guilty and begged the court to “have mercy”.
At the court session on Monday, Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, refused the bail application of the defendants.
The judge held that the NDLEA placed sufficient materials before it to warrant the refusal of bail to Kyari and his co-defendants.
Consequently, Nwite ordered that Kyari and four others be remanded in Kuje correctional centre while the sixth and seventh defendants who pleaded guilty, should be remanded in Suleja correctional centre.
The judge has fixed April 27 to rule on an application for review of facts.
