Crime
Cocaine deal: Abba Kyari, others arraigned in court as 2 co-defendants plead guilty
Cocaine deal: Abba Kyari, others arraigned in court as 2 co-defendants plead guilty
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Monday arraigned the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and six others before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court 8, Abuja, on an eight count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy and drug trafficking.
When the charge in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022, was read to the accused, DCP Abba Kyari; ACP Sunday Ubia; ASP James Bawa; Inspector Simon Agirigba; Inspector John Nuhu, who are all suspended police officers, pleaded not guilty while two other co-defendants Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne pleaded guilty.
In the charge, NDLEA accused Kyari and the four other police officers of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilogrammes. They were also accused of tampering with 21.25k kilogrammes of cocaine unlawfully.
The accused had arrived at the Federal High Court premises under heavy security by NDLEA Strike Force officers. While the five-member prosecution team was led by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Sunday Joseph, while Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN led 13 other lawyers to represent Kyari and Ubia. ASP James Bawa had Michael Mbanefo and Mariam Osene as defence counsel while M.Y Chiara and two others represented Agirigba and Nuhu, with EU Okenyi appearing for Umeibe and Ezenwanne.
Also Read: Buni approves the employment of 196 health workers in Yobe
After the accused took their pleas, Chief Agabi told the court that he had filed bail applications for the 1st and 2nd defendants since Tuesday 1st March 2022, a bid the prosecution opposed with a counter application. Justice Nwite in his remarks said he was yet to get the prosecution’s counter application and thereafter adjourned further hearing on bail to Monday 14th March.
The defence counsel urged the trial judge to remand the defendants in NDLEA custody instead of the Nigerian Correctional Centre, a request the prosecution said would not be objected on the ground that the defendants will be responsible for their own upkeep.
The defence counsel expressed fear that the review of facts against the 6th and 7th defendants who pleaded guilty will prejudice the case and therefore urged that the court put the review on hold pending the conclusion of the trial of the 1st to 5th defendants.
The NDLEA prosecution counsel however opposed the plea citing an existing judgment. He urged that the court should proceed with the sentencing of the 6th and 7th defendants since they had pleaded guilty adding that it will be totally unfair to keep them in prison pending the trial of the 1st to 5th defendants.
In all, five bail applications were filed for the 1st to the 5th defendants while the 8th defendant who is also a police officer is still at large. Justice Nwite adjourned the case to 28th of March 2022 for a review of facts and hearing of the case while all respondents are to be remanded in NDLEA facility pending the hearing of the bail application next Monday.
Cocaine deal: Abba Kyari, others arraigned in court as 2 co-defendants plead guilty
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have cleared suspected terrorist enclaves and recovered items during a coordinated offensive in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on April 22 by troops of 17 Brigade in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), with support from the Air Component of the operation.
The troops reportedly cleared identified enclaves at Radawa, Farin Tafki and Kuka Damisa during the operation.
Items recovered include one empty AK-47 magazine, two motorcycles, a horse and a vehicle.
The recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further action.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security across Katsina State.
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have responded to a terrorist attack around Zamfarawa outpost in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while an improvised explosive device (IED) incident was also recorded along a nearby route.
Security sources said the troops of 1 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danjibga, responded at about 10:10 p.m. on April 21 after receiving reports of gunfire around the outpost.
Following the engagement, a vehicle conveying grains to Danjibga reportedly triggered an IED along the Danjibga–Kunchin Kalgo axis.
The sources said no casualties were recorded from the explosion.
They added that troops have intensified patrols and monitoring along the axis to forestall further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and road users.
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a joint offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:17 a.m. on April 22 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOB) Audu Fari and Babana.
The troops carried out coordinated operations across multiple locations including Kuble–Lumma–Swahi, Saminaka–Kanu, Sokomba–Kabe–Kerengi–Mirami, and the Babana general area.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at dominating the area and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Area of Responsibility.
During the exercise, three suspected collaborators were apprehended and are currently in military custody for further action.
The sources added that troops will sustain offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
