Abba Kyari’s defense: A battle for justice amidst drug trafficking controversy
By Dooyum Naadzenga
In a striking defense, Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu has come forward to represent Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and his Intelligent Response Team (IRT) in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
Ikpeazu argues that Kyari and his team should be celebrated for their successful arrest of drug traffickers, rather than facing charges themselves.
During an interview in Abuja recently, Ikpeazu emphasized the role of the IRT in apprehending drug traffickers who were cleared by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Enugu Airport. He noted that the police refused to compromise with these traffickers, who had pleaded for leniency while attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. Instead, the IRT officially transferred the suspects and the seized drugs to the NDLEA.
Ikpeazu’s statements come in response to the NDLEA’s indictment of the IRT members involved in the arrests. He questioned the agency’s motives, pointing out that the traffickers had entered into a plea bargain that allowed them to serve a mere two years in prison, while the police officers are now facing prosecution.
The SAN highlighted a glaring irony: the very individuals who imported dangerous drugs into Nigeria are now free, while those who intercepted these illicit substances are being prosecuted. He expressed concern that this situation reflects a systemic failure within Nigeria’s drug enforcement framework.
Furthermore, Ikpeazu challenged the NDLEA’s persistent opposition to bail for Kyari and his team. He argued that such actions undermine the principles of justice and accountability, suggesting that the NDLEA should be held responsible for its own failures in managing drug trafficking.
Ikpeazu also pointed out that the IRT’s success in detecting a drug cartel operating through Enugu Airport demonstrates their commitment to public safety. He urged the court to focus on the broader implications of this case, stressing that the crime lies in the trafficking itself, not in the interception.
READ ALSO: Delta HOS promises capacity building, training for civil servants, warns against laziness
As legal proceedings unfold, Ikpeazu remains steadfast in his commitment to defend Kyari pro bono, framing the case as a matter of public interest. He invoked previous instances where public opinion hastily convicted individuals before thorough investigations revealed the truth.
This case not only raises questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s drug enforcement agencies but also highlights the complexities of justice in a system where the lines between law enforcement and criminal activity often blur.
