IGP recommends immediate suspension of Abba Kyari over Hushpuppi's saga.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of  Deputy Commisioner of Police and Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Mr. Abba Kyari, over his Indictment by the United States Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI).

He has also set up a four-man Special Investigative Panel (SIP) headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Investigations, DIG, Joseph Egbunike, to investigate all the allegations contained in the in the relevant US court documents served the Nigeria Police by the FBI.

Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team, was indicted by a US Court in California over alleged involvement in internet fraud of over a $1.1million by with Ramoni Abba aka Hushpuppi.

Kyari has since denied any involvement in the internet fraud case which victim was said to be a Qatari businessman.

But the IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July 2021, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, noted the recommendation for suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.

He said: “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,” He stated.

The panel is expected to do a thorough review of documents sent to the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.

“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 a 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,” The letter stated.

The IGP has, however, 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.