The Federal High Court, Abuja on 14th June 2022 has convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment two co-defendants in a suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the suspended deputy commissioner of police over alleged dealing with drugs.
Judge Emeka Nwite, in a judgment, has stated that the duo has admitted to having committed the offense preferred against them in counts 5, 6, and 7 by the NDLEA, Chibunna Umeibe, and Emeka Ezenwanne, who are 6th and 7th defendants, "are hereby convicted accordingly."
The judge held that the defendants should forfeit their international passports in accordance with Section 30 of the NDLEA Act, Cap M30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
In line with the plea bargain agreement, he okayed Umeibe and Ezenwanne to testify as witnesses in the trial of DCP Kyari and the other accused police officers, even as it ordered the NDLEA to ensure their safety in any correctional facility of their choice.
Justice Nwite directed the NDLEA to constantly monitor the two defendants to ensure that they do not engage in any drug-related activity while serving their jail terms.
He subsequently fixed July 18, 19, and 20 for a full trial of Kyari and his men, as well as for a hearing of their fresh application for bail.
It will be recalled that the duo, who were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country, were on March 7 arraigned before the court alongside DCP Kyari and four other police officers- ACP Sunday J. Ubia, Insp. Simon Agirigba, Insp. John Nuhu, and ASP Bawa James.
