The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has received approval to seize the possessions of suspended DCP Abba Kyari.
The NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, acknowledged the development and stressed that freezing suspected persons’ bank accounts was usual practice.
Babafemi further revealed that the consent was given by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The approval implies that Kyari’s and his co-accused’s assetswill be blocked until they establish their innocence.
A senior justice ministry official who also spoke to Punch on the development said,
“The AGF has endorsed the request by the NDLEA seeking approval for the confiscation of the assets of Abba Kyari, and the other police officers involved in drug dealing.
“With the approval, the drug agency can now go after their property such as real estate, bank accounts, cash, vehicles, stocks, bonds, and anything of monetary value.”
Kyari and four other persons: ACP Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu were arraigned on March 7 on eight counts of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine, and other related offenses before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
A large sum, approximately N4.2bn was also traced to Kyari and his co-accused, ACP Sunday Ubua’s bank accounts.