A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered day-to-day proceedings in the trial of suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his co-defendants.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday as the defence opened its case.
The matter had been adjourned indefinitely after Justice Nwite and other Federal High Court judges were recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
According to NDLEA, Kyari and four other suspended officers were accused of tampering with 21.35kg of cocaine seized from two drug traffickers (Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne) .
They were also accused of unlawful dealing/importation of 17.55kg cocaine.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sunday Joseph, informed the court that parties had agreed that proceedings should continue while awaiting further developments regarding the judge’s elevation.
Joseph explained that the defence had already begun presenting witnesses before the earlier adjournment.
He recalled that the second defence witness, Inspector El-John Nwonke, had completed his testimony in March.
But he said counsel representing the first defendant had requested time to review portions of the witness’s testimony and court records before cross-examination.
Counsel representing Kyari and another defendant, ACP Sunday J. Ubua, argued that the prosecution’s description of events did not fully reflect what happened in court.
Appearing on behalf of senior counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, the lawyer said the defence team needed additional time to compare transcripts and review evidence presented during the witness’s testimony.
He also told the court that Nwonke was outside Nigeria on official assignment and that arrangements would be needed to secure his attendance.
The defence further stated that some senior lawyers involved in the matter were unavailable because of professional engagements outside Abuja.
Defence lawyers did not oppose an accelerated conclusion of the case but requested reasonable time to prepare witnesses.
Counsel for the fifth defendant, Leke Atalogbe, noted that the defendants remained in custody and said they were interested in an early resolution of the matter.
Justice Nwite said the priority of the court was to ensure that the case was concluded without unnecessary delays.
“This is one of the matters holding me back here,” the judge said.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite ordered that the trial would proceed continuously until completion.
