HURIWA Accuses Abba Kyari Allies of ‘Fake News’ Campaign to Derail Drug Trial

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has accused associates of suspended police officer Abba Kyari of spreading false information to undermine his ongoing drug trafficking trial.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group alleged that reports circulating on social media linking officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to the case were fabricated and intended to obstruct justice.

HURIWA said its review of court records and witness statements contradicted the claims, noting that two convicted drug traffickers, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, denied any collusion with NDLEA officers.

According to the group, the convicts instead stated that their photographs and travel details had been sent to Mr Kyari, who allegedly deployed a team to intercept them despite being undersuspension at the time.

It also alleged that the suspects were coerced into making statements implicating NDLEA officials, describing a widely circulated video confession as staged.

HURIWA further pointed to evidence already presented in court, including what it described as footage showing Mr Kyari handing over 61,400 dollars to an undercover NDLEA operative, which it said was linked to proceeds from seized drugs.

The group urged the judiciary to remain focused on the case and called on the media to verify information before publication, warning against what it described as attempts to influence public perception.

Mr Kyari has previously denied wrongdoing, and the case remains before the courts.