In a plot to save the suspended Deputy Commissioner of police and former Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari, from facing criminal prosecution in U.S over his alleged fraud, the federal government has made a u-turn on the money laundering allegation levelled against him.
Recall that the Nigerian government had approved the request by the United States for Kyari’s extradition over his alleged involvement in money laundering.
U.S Investigations had showed that notorious internet fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi allegedly bribed Kyari to arrest one Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, one of his accomplices in Nigeria.
The U.S. had demanded Kyari’s extradition over his alleged involvement in the $1.1million wire fraud perpetrated by Hushpuppi and 4 others.
The federal bureau investigation(FBI) in U.S has since declared Abba Kyari wanted for the allegations
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) then filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
However, in a new legal advice, Malami said there was no evidence to show that money was laundered by Abba Kyari
Sequel to the report of the Special Investigation Panel which probed Kyari’s alleged links to Hushpuppi, the AGF affirmed in January that investigations carried out by the police indicted the former IRT commander for money laundering.
Malami, in a legal advice, therefore, directed the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to carry out further investigations, noting that a prima facie case of money laundering had been established against the DCP.
He also said the force should intensify investigation into 33 crime proceeds received by the ex-IRT commander.
The police report also said Kyari equally funnelled N44mn into his sibling’s bank account in multiple transactions.
Malami’s legal advice read in part, “That there exists prima facie case of conspiracy, collaboration, receipt, conversion, transfer and/or retention of proceeds of unlawful activities contrary to the provision of sections 15, 17 & 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and Section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, Cap E, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, against DCP Abba Kyari and other suspects in view of the overwhelming evidence showing the nature of his disguised financial transactions and activities with Abbas Hushpuppi, Efe Martins, Usman Ibrahim Waziri, Sikiru Adekoya, Hussaini Ala and Sharon Festus, who are all confirmed members of an international Internet fraud network.
“Although the facts and circumstances of this case as contained in the case file are suggestive to money laundering offences against DCP Abba Kyari and his accomplices namely: Abbas Hushpuppi, Efe Martins, Usman Ibrahim Waziri, Sikiru Adekoya, Hussaini Ala and Sharon Festus; to successfully prosecute them, there is a need for a more thorough dissecting and tracing of the suspected 33 proceeds of crime received by DCP Abba Kyari directly or indirectly through the said accomplices.”
Malami, in his latest advice contradicted his January directive that Kyari should be probed for money laundering and for receiving 33 proceeds of crime.
It could be recalled that Kyari is also facing eight counts of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine, and other related offences at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
