diff --git a/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp b/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
index 30b4cc600..5c554650c 100644
--- a/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
+++ b/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
@@ -1959,18 +1959,8 @@ template <> otError NcpBase::HandlePropertySet<SPINEL_PROP_STREAM_NET>(void)
 
     error = otIp6Send(mInstance, message);
 
-    // `otIp6Send()` takes ownership of `message` (in both success or
-    // failure cases). `message` is set to NULL so it is not freed at
-    // exit.
-    message = NULL;
-
 exit:
 
-    if (message != NULL)
-    {
-        otMessageFree(message);
-    }
-
     if (error == OT_ERROR_NONE)
     {
         mInboundSecureIpFrameCounter++;