Intrigue As Abba Kyari Sues FG Over Continued Detention

The suspended head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari, has sued the Federal Government over his continued detention.

Naija News reports that the embattled cop dragged the federal government before a Federal High Court in Abuja in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22 over the violation of his fundamental human rights.

In the suit filed by his lawyer, P. O. Ikenna, Kyari is asking the court to order his immediate release from the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He is also appealing to the court to compel the NDLEA to grant him bail on health grounds, pending the hearing and determination of his fundamental right enforcement application.

The former IRT commander also told the court that he was being held “on the basis of a false allegation that was levelled against him”.

During the hearing of the case on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, said that Kyari’s application contained some averments that would need the response of the respondent (federal government).

However, Justice Ekwo ordered that all the relevant processes should be served on FG which was cited as the sole Respondent, even as he adjourned the case till February 24 for hearing.

This development comes after the NDLEA had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking permission to detain Kyari and other suspects beyond the stipulated 48 hours sanctioned by Nigerian law.

Kyari and some IRT members are being detained at the NDLEA headquarters in Area11, Garki, Abuja, for allegedly dealing in an N140 million cocaine trafficking deal.

NDLEA had claimed that Kyari was caught on camera handing over $61,400 in cash to bribe its operative and facilitate the release of 17 KG of seized cocaine.

Recall that the anti-narcotic agency had beefed up security over fears of attempts to free Kyari and some of his men in custody.

It was gathered that top officials of the NDLEA are trying to prevent any unfortunate circumstance and had stopped visitors from its premises since 3.30 pm yesterday.

It was gathered that this was done following directives from the agency’s boss, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd).