[JUST IN] Abba Kyari: Court declines bail to co-defendant

A Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a bail application filed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawa James, one of the accomplices of disgraced police boss, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had succeeded to prove why the court should not admit James to a bail.
The judge said that James’ application was unripe for hearing.

Recall that the NDLEA had on March 7 arraigned Kyari (first defendant) and six other persons on allegations connected to cocaine deal.

He was arraigned alongside four suspended police officers including Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sunday Ubia, ASP James, Inspector Simon Agirigba and Inspector John Nuhu as second to fifth defendants respectively.

Also indicted are Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, the two alleged drug traffickers who were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State. Although the five officers said they are innocent, Umeibe and Ezenwanne, who are sixth and seventh defendants respectively, pleaded guilty to five, six and seven counts preferred against them.

Ruling, the judge agreed with the argument of counsel for the anti-narcotic agency, Joseph Sunday, that James (third defendant) was a flight risk and might jump bail.

The judge subsequently refused to grant James bail and adjourned the matter until May 26.