Usman Alkali Baba, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, has recommended the immediate suspension of Abba Kyari, the head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force over his alleged involvement in a multimillion naira fraud.
Kyari was indicted by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over an alleged involvement in how a Qatari businessperson was duped of over $1.1 million by Ramonu Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi who is currently being held in the US.
Frank Mba, police spokesperson announced Kyari’s suspension in a statement issued Sunday morning, noting that his suspension is pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation touching on him.
The statement said the IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated July 31, 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.
Read the 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 investigation touching on him
“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 probe panel will be led by Joseph Egbunike, 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 of 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.”