A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Onyechi Ikpeazu has revealed that he is representing Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and members of the Police Intelligent Response Team (IRT) without charge.
He explained that his decision was based on the officers’ role in arresting suspected drug traffickers and refusing to compromise with them, despite alleged offers to let them escape in exchange for the seized drugs. According to him, the suspects and exhibits were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking in Abuja, Ikpeazu questioned the NDLEA’s handling of the case involving 21.35 kilograms of cocaine. He referenced the arrest of Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne at the Enugu airport car park by the IRT, noting that they had earlier been cleared by NDLEA officials before their eventual interception by the police.
He expressed concern that, despite the IRT’s role in the arrest and subsequent transfer of the suspects to the NDLEA, the agency later charged Kyari and his team in the Federal High Court. Meanwhile, the suspects reportedly entered a plea bargain with the NDLEA and were sentenced by Emeka Nwite in June 2022. Though given concurrent six-year sentences, they were released in May 2023 after serving about 16 months.
Ikpeazu argued that the situation raises questions about fairness, suggesting it appears unjust for the alleged traffickers to regain freedom while the officers involved in their arrest remain in custody. He also criticized the NDLEA’s continued opposition to bail for the policemen.
According to him, the drugs were intercepted at the airport parking lot after allegedly being cleared into the country, implying that responsibility for their entry lies with relevant authorities rather than the arresting officers. He maintained that the real offense was the importation of illicit drugs, not their interception within Nigeria.
He further claimed that the IRT uncovered a drug trafficking network operating through Enugu Airport, moving substances from Brazil through Ethiopia into Nigeria for distribution nationwide. He described the prosecution of the officers as ironic, especially given that the suspects secured reduced sentences through a plea bargain.
Ikpeazu concluded that his involvement in the case is in the public interest, emphasizing that thorough legal defense is essential to ensure justice and properly determine guilt or innocence.
