House of Reps: We won’t Review Kyari’s Award Until He’s Convicted

The House of Representatives has confirmed that the former Commander of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, will retain its honouree until he is found guilty.

The House, on June 11, 2020, honoured Kyari for his exceptional service to the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria.

However, Kyari, popularly known as ‘super cop,’ has been under fire since the FBI, linked him to fraudulent activities involving Hushpuppi, who had pleaded guilty to fraud.

The allegation led to the suspension of Kyari by the Police Service Commission but the House of Representatives maintained that the “super cop” will retain his honours till the allegations are proven.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, when contacted by Punch, said;

“The position of our law is that you are innocent until you are proved guilty. It is not the only award that he has. We cannot begin to strip him of his award; he is a suspect at the moment. Lawmakers are not lawbreakers.

“The constitution says you are innocent until proved guilty. But if at the end of the day, he is convicted, then the House would have a reason to review its position. But at the moment, he is still under investigation.”

The FBI criminal complaint lodged at the United States District Court in California had listed Hushpuppi and Kyari among six suspects indicted in a $1.1m international fraud conspiracy.

The other suspects include Abdulrahman Juma (Abdul); Vincent Kelly Chibuzo (Kelly); Rukayat Motunrayo Fashola (Morayo); and Bolatito Tawakalitu Agbabiaka (Bolamide).