Those being tried with Kyari include ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, as well as ASP John Umoru, who is currently at large.
Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, has submitted a video to the Federal High Court in Abuja, allegedly showing operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) aiding drug traffickers at airports.
Kyari is standing trial alongside other officers of the Intelligence Response Team over alleged drug-related offences.
Those being tried with Kyari include ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, as well as ASP John Umoru, who is currently at large.
The case also involves two convicted drug traffickers – Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne – who were arraigned by the NDLEA in 2022 for the same offence.
The pair were later convicted and sentenced by the court after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.
During the court proceedings, a defence witness from the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector El-John Nwoke, narrated how the police arrested the traffickers at Enugu Airport.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended with a 21.55-kilogram consignment of cocaine.
While being led in evidence by defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness said the traffickers claimed they had previously operated in the drug trade under the protection of NDLEA officials.
The witness told the court that the traffickers said they had been cleared by NDLEA officials on the day of their arrest and were surprised when they were intercepted by the police.
In a 27-minute video recording made by the police on January 20, 2022, one of the convicted traffickers, Ezenwanne, reportedly admitted knowing the substance was cocaine.
“I am aware it was cocaine,” he said in the video, adding that it was the second time he was transporting the illicit substance.
He also claimed that officials at the airport often failed to thoroughly search them on arrival because they were familiar with their movements.
After hearing the testimony, Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to May 20 and 21 for continuation of hearing.
Kyari was recently discharged and acquitted alongside his two brothers in a separate case involving allegations of false asset declaration.