IGP Baba Recommends Abba Kyari’s Suspension, Panel Probes FBI Papers

Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari has been recommended for suspension by IGP Alkali Baba.

The IGP made the recommendation in the wake of the weighty allegations against him by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its case against notorious fraudster Hushpuppi.

The recommendation to the Police Service Commission, is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the force set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, according to Police spokesman, CP Frank Mba.

The IGP also set up a four-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to investigate him.

Kyari will remain out of service of the Nigeria Police Force pending the outcome of investigations.

IGP 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 Kyari’s rights and privileges.

Read full statement below;

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has recommended the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him. The IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021, noted that the recommendation for the suspension 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 suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.

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.

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.

CP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

1st August, 2021

IGP had earlier ordered an “internal review” of the indictment of Kyari, by the FBI of the United States.

The indictment was a fallout of the cybercrime charge levelled against Nigeria’s Instagram Influencer, Ray Hushpuppi, real name Ramon Olorunwa Abbas.

Hushpuppi and five other Nigerians and a Kenyan were alleged to have defrauded a Qatari businessman of about $1.1 million between December 2019 and early 2020.

Kyari got entangled in the case by arresting a colleague of Hushpuppi, Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, at Hushpuppi’s request.

Hushpuppi claimed he bribed Kyari for the arrest and even made Kyari to send photograph of the arrest.

Kyari has been named in the court papers and Judge Otis Wright of the District Court in California Central District has ordered the FBI to arrest him.

Kyari also denied all allegations.