A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari of a 23-count charge alleging non-declaration of assets, brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt against Kyari and his co-defendants, including his two brothers.

The judge held that the NDLEA did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the disputed properties allegedly linked to Kyari belonged to him or that he failed to declare them. He described aspects of the case as unsubstantiated and lacking credible proof.

This acquittal pertains specifically to the asset declaration and related allegations. Kyari continues to face separate ongoing charges, including those related to drug trafficking matters.

Kyari, once celebrated as a top police investigator, has been suspended amid multiple legal battles. The ruling marks a significant development in one of his high-profile cases.

In a major victory for anti-narcotics efforts, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has captured a long-sought fugitive drug lord, 58-year-old Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had evaded authorities in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for more than 15 years.

Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a meticulously coordinated operation carried out by officers from the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit.

The arrest marks the end of an extended pursuit tied to Ilomuanya’s alleged deep involvement in international drug trafficking. His criminal record spans continents:

He was first arrested in the UK in February 2003 for drug trafficking, convicted, and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, though he served only two years before a successful appeal led to his release.

Undeterred, he faced another arrest in the UK in July 2011 on drug-related charges. Granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled back to Nigeria.

In Nigeria, Ilomuanya’s activities continued. In November 2018, NDLEA operatives raided two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories linked to him one in his hometown of Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, and another at his residence on No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.

Authorities seized 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with sophisticated production equipment. He was charged in a Federal High Court in Lagos but jumped bail and disappeared, remaining at large until his recent capture.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the arrest as a “significant breakthrough” in the agency’s ongoing campaign against drug cartels.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice,” Marwa said. “Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.

“He emphasized the agency’s dedication to international partnerships, stating, “We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords.

The NDLEA under our watch will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, deepen international cooperation, and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.

“Marwa also praised the Special Operations Unit officers for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the suspect, reaffirming the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in or through Nigeria.

The arrest underscores growing success in cross-border law enforcement cooperation and intelligence-driven crackdowns on high-profile narcotics figures.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in Sepeteri, Oyo State, for allegedly beating his elder brother to death with a heavy rock because he claimed the deceased shot him in a dream.

Lateef Suleiman, of Alegunlode Compound, Sepeteri, reportedly woke up convinced that his 52-year-old brother, Mustapha Amidu, had attacked him in his sleep while in a dream.

In a statement , Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that rather than shake it off, Suleiman allegedly picked up a heavy rock and struck his brother on the head before he fled.

The statement read, “One Badmus Yunisa ‘m’ of Alegunlode Compound, Sepeteri, reported that Lateef Suleiman ‘m’, aged 43 years, attacked his elder brother, Mustapha Amidu ‘m’, aged 52 years, following an accusation that the deceased had shot him in a dream while he was asleep the previous night.

“Acting on this claim, the suspect allegedly approached the deceased where he was seated, picked up a heavy rock, struck him on the head, and fled the scene immediately.”

Mustapha was rushed to Ileri Oluwa Hospital, Sepeteri but did not make it.

The command said that he was “confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

”Police operatives from the Ago-Amodu Divisional Headquarters moved quickly, visited both the scene and the hospital.

Suleiman was subsequently tracked down and arrested.

He has since confessed, the command said, adding that he “is currently cooperating with investigators.”

Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.