The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has written a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, seeking his approval for the confiscation of properties and assets belonging to the once revered super cop.
It was gathered that the NDLEA’s request was dispatched to the justice minister last week following the March 7 arraignment of Kyari and his men for dealing in cocaine.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that NDLEA had narrated how it filmed the moment Kyari, was negotiating a drug deal for the release of 25kg of cocaine and offered $61,400 cash to NDLEA officer.
Kyari is facing eight counts of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine, and other related offences at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to PUNCH, a source said the drug agency’s request is receiving the AGF’s attention, noting that Malami was in the process of approving the seizure of the embattled DCP’s assets and property to ensure he did not benefit from the proceeds of crime.
The Kyari’s assets that will be confiscated include cash and money in bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, notably hotels, residential and commercial buildings; personal effects such as wristwatches, jewellery and other valuable possessions, PUNCH reports.
This publication had earlier reported that NDLEA traced N4.2bn to Kyari; as well as his deputy, ACP Sunday Ubua bank accounts.
The AGF’s approval was said to have been required by the NDLEA to seize a suspect’s property pending conviction by the court.
A senior officer stated, “Under the NDLEA Act, the NDLEA cannot forfeit his assets unless based on the consent of the Attorney-General. The NDLEA wrote last week and the AGF is considering the request.”
The NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, who confirmed the development, said, “It’s a normal procedure to seek approval for a no debit order on suspects’ bank accounts when suspicious transactions are noticed in such accounts.”