Abba Kyari Granted Bail After 18 Months in Detention for Refusing to Escape During Prison Break

In a surprising turn of events, Abba Kyari, the former head of the Rapid Response Team, IRT, under the Inspector General of Police, has been granted bail after spending 18 months in prison custody.

The decision comes after a lengthy legal battle following his arrest in February 2022, when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) accused him of tampering with drug exhibits.

The controversy began when the IRT team, led by Kyari, apprehended Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne in January 2022, in connection with a significant cocaine seizure of 21.25 kilograms. The suspects, along with the confiscated cocaine, were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA. However, the case took a dramatic twist when the NDLEA declared Kyari and some members of his team wanted for alleged evidence tampering.

Recently, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne were released from prison after their conviction, while Kyari continued to fight for his freedom. After numerous attempts to secure bail, Justice Omotosho of Federal High Court 9 finally granted Kyari bail on Thursday.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho acknowledged that Kyari and his team had refused to escape when Kuje Prison was attacked on July 5, 2022, resulting in the escape of about 90 percent of the inmates. This act, according to the judge, demonstrated Kyari’s willingness to face any allegations against him. The judge also emphasized that all the allegations leveled against Kyari were bailable, and he deemed the former police officer not to be a flight risk.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Barr Suleiman Shehu, a member of Kyari’s defense team, hailed the ruling as a “well-deserved victory.” The granting of bail provides a ray of hope for Kyari as he continues to navigate the legal process and defend himself against the accusations brought forth by the NDLEA.

This development marks a significant milestone in a high-profile case that has attracted widespread attention, with many eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial. As the legal proceedings progress, the public will closely monitor the next steps in Abba Kyari’s legal battle and the implications it may have for the Nigerian law enforcement system.