Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the testimony of Police Inspector El-John Nwonke. Nwonke was the key defence witness for suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari. The judge took the action after Nwonke’s consecutive unexcused absences from court. His absence prevented the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from cross-examining him. The decision deals a significant blow to Kyari’s defence.
Abba Kyari was a celebrated police officer. He led the Inspector-General’s Intelligence Response Team. He was suspended in 2021 over links to international fraudster Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi. In 2022, the NDLEA charged him with cocaine trafficking. The case involves 25 kilogrammes of cocaine. Kyari denies the charges. He says his team was framed. Nwonke’s testimony was central to that defence.
Nwonke had testified earlier. He claimed Kyari’s team was framed after arresting drug traffickers who had been corruptly cleared by NDLEA officers at Enugu Airport in January 2022. That testimony supported Kyari’s claim of a setup. Defence counsel Julius Mba requested an adjournment. He said Nwonke was ill and attending an external course. Justice Nwite ruled that sufficient opportunities had been granted. He struck out the testimony. The NDLEA can no longer cross-examine Nwonke. But the evidence he gave is now discarded.
The ruling narrows Kyari’s defence. Without Nwonke’s testimony, the framing narrative loses its primary witness. Kyari’s lawyers must rely on other evidence. The prosecution’s case is strengthened. The trial continues.
Winners: The NDLEA, whose case is strengthened. The prosecution, which gains an advantage. Justice Nwite, who asserts court discipline. Losers: Abba Kyari, whose defence is weakened. Nwonke, whose testimony is discarded. The defence team, which loses key evidence. The court, if the ruling is appealed.
Bottom Line: Kyari’s key witness is gone. His testimony was struck out. The framing defence loses its anchor. The cocaine trial continues. Kyari must find another path. The court has ruled. The case moves on.