Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday refused to grant bail to former anti-kidnapping chief DCP Abba Kyari.
On March 7, Kyari was docked alongside Sunday J Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu- all members of the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Other suspects arraigned are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — two alleged drug traffickers arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
NDLEA, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, accused the defendants of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms.
Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty after their arraignment.
The sixth and seventh defendants, however, pleaded guilty and begged the court to “have mercy.”
Barrister Mahmoud Magaji, lawyer who moved Kyari and Ubia’s (second defendant) bail application, prayed the court to grant his clients bail.
Counsel to the third and fifth defendants also prayed for bail on lenient terms.
The prosecution counsel, Joseph Sunday, opposed the bail applications.
He said all the conditions for which the defendants should not be granted bail are inherent in the case.
Justice Nwite agreed with the prosecution that the defendants are likely to interfere and undermine the trial.
The judge denied the bail application and ordered an accelerated trial.
