Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Police, following the latter’s indictment by America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over intentional wire fraud.
The indictment resulted from FBI’s investigation into the activities of suspected Nigerian fraudster, Hushpuppi Abbas, who implicated Abba Kyari.
In his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021, the IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of Kyari would subsist till the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations on the matter, and is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against Abba Kyari without interference.
“The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer,” said Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, in a statement issued on Sunday morning.
Mba said the Special Investigation Panel (SIP), comprising four Senior Police Officers, is headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).
“The SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations.”
ExpressDay recalls that a US Court issued arrest warrant against Kyari, having noted the FBI investigation that uncovered “a dispute among members of the conspiracy, which allegedly prompted Vincent to contact the victim and claim that Abbas and Juma were engaged in fraud.
“After this contact, Abbas allegedly arranged to have Vincent jailed in Nigeria by Abba Alhaji Kyari, 46, of Nigeria. According to the affidavit, Kyari is a highly decorated deputy commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force who is alleged to have arranged for Vincent to be arrested and jailed at Abbas’ behest, and then sent Abbas photographs of Vincent after his arrest.
“Kyari also allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment.”
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