The inspector general of police, Mr. Usman Baba, has ordered a probe into the allegation against the commander, IGP Intelligence Response Monitoring Team, Mr. Abba Kyari, whom a United States Court issued an arrest warrant against for his alleged links to a notorious internet fraudster, Mr. Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpupi.
NewsGazette had earlier reported that Justice Otis Wright of the United States District Court, Central District of California issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest over allegation that Hushpuppi, who pleaded guilty to various charges, including money laundering, wire fraud, and felony, among others, used Kyari, to arrest and jail Hushpuppi’s associate, Chibuzor Vincent after he (Vincent) had threatened to expose a $1 million fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.
In a statement entitled ‘Six indicted in international scheme to defraud Qatari school founder and then launder over $1 million in illicit proceeds,’ the judge ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to arrest Kyari and produce him in the United States for his role in the fraud perpetrated by Hushpuppi and his co-conspirators.
“According to the affidavit, Kyari is a highly decorated deputy commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force who is alleged to have arranged for Vincent to be arrested and jailed at Abbas’ behest, and then sent Abbas photographs of Vincent after his arrest. Kyari also allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment,” the court’s document stated.
Worried by the allegation, Baba, in a two paragraph statement entitled ‘Alleged indictment of DCP Abba Kyari: Inspector general of police orders a review of the information’ assured Nigerians that justice will be served in the end.
The statement signed by police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba reads: “Sequel to the receipt of allegation and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against one of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered an internal review of the allegations.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the strengthening of its professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners. Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly.”
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan reacted to the development, demanding a forensic investigation of the allegations against Kyari.
In a statement entitled ‘Abba Kyari: PDP demands full investigation’ the party claimed the revelation of Kyari’s alleged indictment as a receiver of proceeds of international fraud was worrisome, disturbing and a stain on the integrity of the nation.
“It is indeed disquieting that the integrity of our nation has fallen so abysmally low under the corrupt and fraud-patronizing President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, to the extent that the head of its police intelligence unit is being charged in connection with international fraud.
“Our party demands that the APC administration should not sweep this matter under the carpet given the manifest rapport between Kyari and some top APC leaders. We urge President Buhari not to ‘ease out’ this case of corruption but should immediately restore the integrity and image of our nation by allowing for a forensic investigation on the suspect,” the PDP stated.
It warned that “if this Abba Kyari matter is not well handled, it will be a permanent stain on the reputation of our police, security system and our nation at large.
It, therefore, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to direct Baba to take in Kyari for questioning and if found culpable, should be handed over to the FBI.
In his defence, Kyari, in his facebook post admitted that Hushpuppi called his office and reported a death threat from someone about two years ago.
He said the suspect, Vincent, was arrested but later released after investigations revealed that “they are long time friends who have money issues between them”.
The police officer also said he did not receive any money from Hushpuppi.
Kyari explained that Hushpuppi once saw some of his (Kyari’s) native clothes and caps on his (Kyari’s) social media page, expressed a liking for them and was connected to the person selling the clothes.
“He sent about N300k directly to the person’s account,” Kyari said.
The Police officer said this via his verified Facebook page in reaction to an allegation levelled against him by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California.
“Friends: Abbas who we later came to know as Hushpuppi called our office about two years ago that somebody in Nigeria seriously threatened to kill his family here in Nigeria and he sent the person’s phone number and pleaded we take action before the person attacks his family.
“We traced and arrested the suspect and after investigations, we discovered there wasn’t an actual threat to anyone’s life and they are long-time friends who have money issues between them hence we released the suspect on bail to go and he was not taken to any jail.
“Nobody demanded a kobo from Abbas Hushpuppi. Our focus was to save people’s lives that were purported to have been threatened.
“Later, he saw some of my Native Clothes and Caps on my social media page and he said he likes them and he was connected to the person selling the clothes and he sent about N300k directly to the person’s account. The Native Clothes and Caps (five sets) were brought to our office and He sent somebody to collect them in our office.
“For those who are celebrating that this is an indictment on us and mentioning some fictitious Big Money, They will be disappointed once again as our hands are clean and our record of Service for two decades is open for everybody to see.
“They will continue seeing us serving our fatherland and we will continue responding to all distress Calls from all Nigerians provided they are life-threatening.
“For Good Nigerians who appreciate our Service please don’t worry as our hands are clean and they should please not respond to those celebrating and creating many false Narratives without any Evidence. We are used to such types of people and false newsmakers and distributors.
“Thank you all and GOD bless Nigeria,” Kyari wrote.
