The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has recommended the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari.
Kyari’s suspension, which was disclosed in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, follows the alleged involvement of the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), with a fraud suspect, Ramon Abbas popularly known in social circles as Hushpuppi.
According to the statement, the IGP noted that the recommendation for suspension which is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer, 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 DCP Abba Kyari without interference,” the statement said.
The IGP further directed the constitution of a 4-man Special Investigation Panel to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government and to offer recommendations for further actions on the matter.
“The Special Investigation Panel (SIP), comprising four (4) 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.”
In case you missed it
- U.S Court documents revealed that Hushpuppi arranged to have a former business partner, Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, arrested by Abba Kyari after they scammed a Qatari businessman off $1 million.
- Abba Kyari reacted to the allegation claiming that Hushpuppi’s associate was arrested after his office was called about a potential case of threat to life and that “nobody demanded for a kobo from Abbas Hushpuppi.”
- See full text of the conversation between the duo as contained in the records of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
- Nigeria’s largest opposition party, the People Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Inspector of General of Police to order the investigation and possible extradition of DCP Abba Kyari to the United States for his alleged involvement Hushpuppi.