The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his connection with the popular internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi.
This was announced in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police Frank Mba.
Kyari, the Head of the Inspector General of Police Police Intelligence Response Team, was indicted by US authorities as part of the investigation of Hushpuppi, who has pleaded guilty to multi-million dollar wire fraud.
The celebrated Nigerian crime buster had been listed among the beneficiaries of proceeds from Hushpuppi’s illegal dealings, prompting a US court to order his arrest and prosecution by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Baba, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated July 31, 2021, noted that the recommendation for the suspension 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 Kyari without interference.
He assured that the suspension is without prejudice to Kyari’s constitutional presumption of innocence until proved guilty.
The four-man Special Investigation Panel of senior police officers is headed by Deputy Inspector Joseph Egbunike, the DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
Baba said in the letter to the PSC: “The panel 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.