Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused allies of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of orchestrating a misinformation campaign aimed at derailing his ongoing drug trafficking trial, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA alleged that recent reports circulating on social media claiming that convicted drug traffickers had implicated officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were fabricated and intended to obstruct justice.
The group said its review of court records and witness testimonies contradicts the narrative being promoted by Kyari’s supporters. According to HURIWA, the convicted traffickers, identified as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, denied any collaboration with NDLEA officials during their arrest at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu in January 2022.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelInstead, the organisation claimed the court documents show that the suspects’ travel details and photographs were allegedly shared with Kyari, who was already under suspension at the time over a separate criminal case, including an extradition request by the United States.
HURIWA further alleged that Kyari deployed a team from Abuja to intercept the suspects and that the traffickers later stated they were coerced into making statements implicating NDLEA personnel. It described a widely circulated video confession as “scripted,” claiming it was recorded under duress.
Citing evidence presented in court, the group pointed to a video said to show Kyari handing over $61,400 to an NDLEA undercover operative. According to HURIWA, the money was linked to proceeds from the sale of seized cocaine connected to the case.
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The statement also referenced transcripts of conversations between Kyari and an undercover agent, which it said demonstrated prior knowledge of the drug couriers’ identities and movements, allegedly supplied by members of a drug cartel.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, urged the judiciary to remain focused on the evidence before it and resist what he described as attempts to influence the course of justice through misinformation.
He also called on media organisations to verify claims against official court records before publication, warning against amplifying unverified narratives.
Kyari, once a celebrated police officer, is currently facing prosecution over alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation.
The case has drawn both domestic and international attention, particularly in light of parallel legal interests from the United States.
As of the time of filing this report, Kyari’s legal team has not publicly responded to the latest allegations by HURIWA.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
