The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted temporary bail to DCP Abba Kyari, the former commander of the Force Intelligence Response Team, after he spent 27 months in detention. The court’s decision comes as Kyari prepares to complete the burial rites for his recently deceased mother, Yachilla Kyari.

Abba Kyari, who has been embroiled in a high-profile drug-related case brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was arrested on February 14, 2022. The court has now set May 31 as the date for the determination of his ongoing bail application in connection with these charges.

Yachilla Kyari passed away in the early hours of Sunday, May 5, 2024. She is survived by ten children, including Abba, who is the eldest son. Although detained, the news of his mother’s death highlighted his absence at her burial, which took place the same day in Borno State according to Islamic rites. The community showed strong support, with many residents turning out to pay their respects.

This case has captured national attention not only because of Kyari’s previous reputation as a “super cop” but also due to the gravity of the allegations against him. In 2022, alongside the case that led to his arrest, the Police Service Commission took disciplinary action against Kyari and two senior officers, ACP Sunday Ubua and ASP James Bawa. These officers were suspended from their duties due to their alleged involvement in a cocaine deal.

The NDLEA has accused Kyari and his team of having links with an international drug cartel. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babalola, Kyari and his Intelligence Response Team were implicated in a case where they arrested drug traffickers who had arrived in Nigeria from Ethiopia carrying 25kg of cocaine. The NDLEA alleges that Kyari and his team confiscated 15kg of the seized cocaine for themselves.

This court’s decision to grant Kyari bail, albeit temporarily, allows him to participate in his mother’s burial rites, providing a brief respite from his legal troubles. The upcoming court date at the end of May will likely be a pivotal moment in this case, as it will address the longer-term status of Kyari’s bail amid ongoing proceedings.

The case against Kyari has broader implications for the Nigerian police force and its handling of corruption and misconduct within its ranks. It also underscores the challenges in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria, highlighting the need for robust mechanisms to ensure integrity and accountability in law enforcement agencies.