By John Ikani
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his connection with the popular internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas.
The IGP in a letter dated July 31 and addressed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) explained that the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the force.
Revealing this via an issued statement, Police Spokesperson, Frank Mba said a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) comprising four senior police officers, to be chaired by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Joseph Egbunike, has been set up to investigate the allegations levelled against the supercop.
“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,” he said.
The statement further noted that Kyari’s suspension will be on pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations into his indictment for alleged involvement in a $1.1m internet fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI criminal complaint lodged at the United States District Court in California had listed Abass Ramon, aka 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).
Mr Kyari denied any wrongdoing. In statements posted on his verified Facebook page, he admitted knowing Hushpuppi, but said he never demanded money from him. He also said he only referred Hushpuppi to a tailor whom the fraudster paid N300,000.
