Joseph cited security concerns and the need to protect undercover witnesses as the primary reasons for the closed-door trial. He emphasised that the decision was mutually agreed upon by the lawyers and the defendants. When asked about the potential lack of transparency, Joseph acknowledged the concern but explained that he made an exception to inform the press.
During the proceedings, an additional witness testified, and the NDLEA sought to tender bank documents as exhibits, which the defendants opposed. The court reserved its ruling on the admissibility of the evidence, with a decision expected on June 9th. Mr Michael Mbanefo, the lawyer representing the third defendant, ASP Bawa James, confirmed that evidence from one witness was presented but was hindered by the disputed documents.
Earlier, journalists were prevented from covering the trial due to the NDLEA's application. Lawyers with unrelated cases were also directed to leave the courtroom to accommodate Kyari's case. Following the application, Justice Nwite temporarily adjourned the hearing to allow everyone, including lawyers, litigants, and journalists, to exit the courtroom.
After the courtroom was cleared, lawyers who were not involved in Kyari's case expressed their dissatisfaction with the proceedings. They argued that they should have been allowed to remain and raised their objections to the judge when the hearing resumed. Justice Nwite apologised and assured the lawyers that their cases would be heard once the current matter concluded.
Abba Kyari and several other police officers, currently under suspension, are facing charges brought by the NDLEA related to the tampering and handling of a portion of the 21.8-kilogram cocaine seized from two convicts. The four police officers, including ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirigba, and Inspector John Nuhu, are listed as the second to fifth defendants. The NDLEA alleges that the officers compromised their duties.
The accused officers are also charged alongside Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were allegedly involved in the trafficking of the hard drugs. Umeibe and Ezenwanne pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to two years in prison. However, Kyari and the other police officers pleaded not guilty to all the counts against them.
The trial will continue, and the NDLEA's decision to hold the proceedings behind closed doors will ensure the safety and protection of undercover witnesses. The court is expected to rule on the admissibility of the contested evidence in June, and the legal process will unfold as the case progresses.