The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned the defence team in the ongoing trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari against further delays, threatening to foreclose the first and fourth defendants from presenting their cases if the situation persists.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the warning on Monday, October 26, 2026, while expressing displeasure over what he described as attempts by the defence lawyers to frustrate proceedings.
The court adjourned the case until Tuesday, October 27, following disagreements over the absence of the principal counsel representing the first and fourth defendants, A.A. Akaas, who reportedly took ill.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, J.N. Sunday, appeared alongside Akaas, who informed the court that he was unwell and could not continue with the proceedings, despite having two witnesses ready to testify.
He subsequently requested an adjournment.
Justice Nwite, however, declined the request, noting that another member of the defence team, Hamza Dantali, was present and could continue with the examination of the witnesses.
The judge directed Akaas to brief Dantali on the case and subsequently stood down proceedings for one hour to allow the lawyers to make the necessary arrangements.
Dantali reportedly protested the directive, claiming he had been away when the matter was discussed.
When proceedings resumed, counsel to the third defendant, M.N. Mbanefo, informed the court that Akaas had been hospitalised at the court clinic, while Dantali, who had been directed to take over, had left for Lagos at short notice.
Mbanefo also sought to dispute Dantali’s membership of the defence team representing the first and fourth defendants.
Justice Nwite, however, countered the submission by reading the lawyers’ introductory statements, which he said showed that Dantali was part of the defence team.
The judge expressed strong displeasure over the development, questioning why another lawyer could not continue with the proceedings and accusing the defence team of undermining the court’s authority.
He warned that the court would not continue to accommodate what he considered attempts to frustrate the trial and threatened to foreclose the first and fourth defendants if further delays occurred.
Following the disagreement, Mbanefo appealed for an adjournment until Tuesday, October 27.
When asked to state his position, prosecution counsel J.N Sunday expressed concern over what he described as unprofessional conduct by some lawyers who disregard court directives.
He also noted that Akaas had not informed the prosecution of his alleged ill health before seeking an adjournment from the court.
After considering the submissions, Justice Nwite granted the adjournment but warned that it would be the last opportunity for the first and fourth defendants, cautioning against further delays.
The case was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Abba Kyari, a former deputy commissioner of police, is standing trial alongside four other police officers over allegations linked to a 25-kilogramme cocaine deal. They are being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).