Abba Kyari Presents Video Alleging NDLEA Cover-Up in Airport Drug Trafficking
A Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a significant legal development on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari submitted a video that purportedly exposes National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives involved in facilitating drug trafficking activities at Nigerian airports. This evidence emerged during a trial where Kyari and five other members of the Intelligence Response Team face charges related to drug offences, including ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, and ASP John Umoru, who is currently at large.
Convicted Traffickers Implicate NDLEA Officials
During the court proceedings, Inspector El-John Nwoke, a police witness from Force Headquarters, provided testimony detailing the arrest of two drug convicts, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, at Enugu Airport. The arrests were made in connection with the seizure of 21.55 kilograms of cocaine. Both individuals had previously pleaded guilty and were convicted and sentenced in 2022. Under examination by defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Nwoke revealed that the convicted traffickers disclosed they had operated under the protection of NDLEA officials for an extended period, claiming they were cleared by agency operatives on the day of their arrest and expressed surprise when detained by police.
Video Evidence Captures Trafficker's Admissions
The video presented by Kyari, recorded by police on January 20, 2022, runs for 27 minutes and features Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne making critical admissions. In the footage, Ezenwanne stated, "I am aware it was cocaine" and "this is the second time I am carrying cocaine." He further alleged that NDLEA officials routinely waved them through without conducting thorough searches, fully aware of the illicit substances they were transporting. This evidence has raised serious questions about existing practices within the NDLEA and prompted Justice Emeka Nwite to adjourn the trial to May 20 and 21 for further proceedings.
Background on Kyari's Legal Battles
In a related development, Abba Kyari was recently discharged and acquitted in a separate false asset declaration case filed by the NDLEA. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case against Kyari and his two brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, who were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal property origins. Additionally, the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) has called for Kyari's release, arguing that keeping him in custody despite presidential pardons for other offenders undermines justice and fairness, urging President Tinubu and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi to discontinue the trial.
