… As 4-Man Special Investigation Panel Begins Probe
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has recommended to the Police Service Commission (PSC), the immediate suspension of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.
Kyari is the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba who is Police’s spokesperson in a statement on Sunday said Kyari’s suspension is pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him.
The Precision NG reports that Abba Kyari was indicted by Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi) during an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A US Court has now ordered the arrest of Kyari.
The latest development about his suspension is contained in a letter by the IGP to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021.
The IGP 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.
“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 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 statement quoted IGP’s letter as saying.
“The IGP reaffirms 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,” the statement read.