Why Court Granted Abba Kyari Bail, Demanded Huge Amount From Him

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted temporary bail to former Commander of the Force Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari.

This was due to the death of his mother. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday, stipulating that Kyari must deposit N50 million and provide a surety of equal value. The designated surety, who must be Kyari’s counsel in the case, is also required to deposit a copy of their call to bar certificate with the deputy registrar of the court.

This bail arrangement will remain in effect pending the ruling on Kyari’s primary bail application scheduled for May 31, 2024.

The decision comes in light of the recent passing of the defendant’s mother, Yachilla Kyari, on Sunday, May 5. Previously, Kyari had been denied bail twice despite raising concerns about threats to his life at the Kuje Correctional Centre by criminals he had previously prosecuted.

Kyari, a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, was arraigned in 2022 on drug-related charges alongside ACP Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu, and ASP John Umoru, who is reportedly still at large. Two civilians initially charged with them, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison each after pleading guilty to the charges.