A Federal high court in Abuja, on Tuesday, June 14, convicted and sentenced two co-defendants in a suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Age
A Federal high court in Abuja, on Tuesday, June 14, convicted and sentenced two co-defendants in a suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Abba Kyari, over an alleged drug deal to two years in prison.
Kyari was on March 7, arraigned alongside Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, who are members of the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne; the two drug traffickers who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu state.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, the anti-narcotic agency accused the defendants of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms.
Upon arraignment, Kyari and four other defendants pleaded not guilty.
However, Umeibe and Ezenwanne, pleaded guilty and begged the court to have mercy.
At the resumed hearing, Sunday Joseph, counsel for the NDLEA, informed the court that two motions seeking for a plea bargain in respect of the two defendants had been filed.
According to reports, other defendants did not oppose the application for a plea bargain.
The judge, Justice Nwite, thereafter, sentenced them to two years imprisonment on each of counts 5, 6 and 7.
He said the terms, which shall run concurrently, would commence from the day the defendants were arrested by the NDLEA.
Meanwhile, Justice Nwite fixed July 18, 19 and 20 for full blown trial of DCP Kyari, and his men, as well as for hearing of their fresh application for bail.
