The suspended Commander of the IGP Intelligence Response Team and Deputy Commissioner of police, Abba Kyari case has remained unsolved.
DAILY GIST recall that Kyari was accused of taking bribe from self-confessed internet fraudster, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi.
The federal bureau of investigation (FBI) has since demanded his extradition over the allegation
Sources claimed that some top government officials are pressurising the Nigerian Police authorities to clear the embattled DCP after an investigation had been carried out.
Recall that a FBI agent, Andrew Innocenti, had filed a document titled, ‘Criminal Complaint By Telephone Or Other Reliable Electronic Means’ before the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Hushpuppi, contracted Kyari to detain a co-conspirator, Chibuzo Vincent, for threatening to expose the alleged $1.1 million fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.
The agency said Hushpuppi paid $20,600 into a bank account provided by Kyari.
The development saw the Police Service Commission suspend Kyari from office as a Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the IRT based on the recommendation of the IGP.
Meanwhile, the DIG Joseph Egbunike-led panel, in August submitted its report in August, to the IGP, that there were infractions on the part of Kyari in his communications with Hushpuppi.
Sources that spoke with SaharaReporters claimed that some government officials are however pressurizing the police authorities to clear him of wrongdoings.
The source said, “Police authorities are being pressured to clear Kyari; those campaigning for his claim he is the only one who can find a solution to the insecurity in South-East.”
Another source said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is trying to save Kyari from his predicament.
The source said, “Not only some influential Nigerians, but even Malami (AGF) also wants to clear Abba Kyari.”
Sources claimed that there are plans by the police authorities to demote Kyari as a means of frustrating his extradition to the United States.
“The police report on Abba Kyari only recommends demotion to a lower rank. They figured that he could be extradited if dismissed. Kyari’s real enemies are at the police service commission and what they want is an outright dismissal.
“But they have to defer to the IGP. The IGP is no doubt Kyari’s godfather. So we are waiting to see what he would approve,” a top source revealed.
olice authorities are being pressured to clear Kyari; those campaigning for him claim he is the only one who can find a solution to the insecurity in South-East,” a police source told SaharaReporters.
SaharaReporters learnt that one of the influential Nigerians working behind the scenes to ensure Kyari is off the hook is the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
“Not only some influential Nigerians, even Malami (AGF) also wants to clear Abba Kyari,” another top source said.
It was also gathered that a massive publicity campaign had been launched to call for his reinstatement and get him off the hook.
Such campaigners have seen social media as a veritable tool to deploy to sway the mind of the police authorities and the public.
For instance, a political pressure group, Concerned Advocates For Good Governance (CAGC), recently said it had consulted US-based law firms to defend Kyari.
“We have diligently consulted with about three notable law firms in the United States to give us their legal opinions on what can be done to formidably defend Abba Kyari,” Olusegun Bamgbose, the President-General of CAGC had said.
“One of the leading firms has replied to us and gone ahead to send us the indictment against Abba Kyari and other details which is about 26 pages.
“The reputable law firm, well-grounded on extradition issues, has assured us of their readiness to represent Kyari’s interest before and after his possible extradition to the US.”
Similarly, a chieftain of the ruling APC and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe recently alleged that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its security wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) and bandits have been capitalising on Kyari absence to wreak havoc in the country, particularly in the South-East.
He posted on Facebook, “FEDERAL GOVERNMENT biko, WE WANT ABBA KYARI BACK IN THE SOUTH EAST. IT LOOKS AS IF IPOB & EASTERN SECURITY NETWORK, BANDITS ARE CELEBRATING HIS EXIT. WE NEED HIM BACK BY ALL MEANS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.”
Another Facebook user wrote, “Please @BisongOnonye, can Abba Kyari be restored to the Nigeria Police? The mayhem and heinous crimes being committed with impunity down the South East is alarming and needs his attention.
“The current Man in charge in my humble opinion is finding Abba’s shoes too big to fill. The South East is currently nosediving into a ‘failed region’. May God Save My Home Land.”
On Instagram, Chinedum Agwaramgbo said, “Pls ABBA KYARI should be re-instated! I don’t really care now about the allegations against him…which are only basically that – unproven allegations! South East is in danger of imploding! BRING ABBA KYARI BACK!”
And in response to Agwaramgbo, one Bond Chris Ohuche said, “So no other police officer is capable? Alright, why not ask for the disbandment of the entire police force since it can’t perform without one man?”
