The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Abba Kyari, who is facing a drug trafficking charge, on Monday, begged the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja not to remand him in prison custody.
Kyari, through his lawyer, Mr Kanu Agabi, SAN, prayed the court to allow him to remain in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, pending the hearing and determination of his fresh application for bail.
The embattled DCP, who hitherto headed the Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, made the request after he pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge the NDLEA preferred against him and six others.
“It is not in the interest of justice for the facts to be reviewed while the trial is still ongoing”, he added.
He noted that both Umeibe and Ezenwanne were also mentioned in some counts in the charge that involved Kyari and the others.
On his part, the Prosecution counsel, Mr. Sunday, maintained that reviewing the facts of the case would not prejudice DCP Kyari and the others.
“My lord, this sort of application by the Defence is to undermine the capacity of this court.
“This case is to be considered on the basis of the evidence before the court. I do not see how the 1st to 5th Defendants will be prejudiced since we are going to confront them with evidence against them”
“The most proper thing is to dispose of the case against the 6th and 7th Defendants.
“It will be unjust and unfair to keep the two Defendants in custody while waiting for the conclusion of the trial of the others.
“It is better for them to be convicted to enable them to start serving their sentence”, the Prosecution added.
After he had listened to oral arguments from both sides, trial Justice Nwite said he would want the parties to formally address the court on the issue next Monday.