Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has submitted a video as evidence before the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) aided drug traffickers at airport checkpoints.
Kyari is currently facing trial alongside members of the Intelligence Response Team over alleged involvement in drug-related offences.
Among his co-defendants are Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu, and John Umoru, who is reportedly still at large.
The case also involves two convicted traffickers, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who were initially charged by the NDLEA in 2022. Both men later pleaded guilty and were sentenced accordingly.
The Witness Account
During proceedings, a police witness, El-John Nwoke, recounted how the suspects were arrested at Enugu Airport with 21.55 kilograms of cocaine.
Testifying under questioning from defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Nwoke said the suspects claimed they had previously operated under the protection of NDLEA personnel.
According to the witness, the traffickers expressed shock at their arrest, insisting they had already been cleared by NDLEA officials on the day they were intercepted by police officers.
A 27-minute video presented in court, recorded on January 20, 2022, reportedly shows Ezenwanne admitting knowledge of the illicit cargo.
Cocaine Movement
In the footage, he acknowledged that the substance was cocaine and revealed it was not his first time transporting drugs.
He further alleged that airport officials often overlooked thorough searches due to familiarity with his movements.
Presiding judge Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter until May 20 and 21 for continuation of the hearing.
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In a separate development, Kyari was recently cleared of allegations related to false asset declaration, alongside two of his brothers.