Pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation concerning the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team(IRT), DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has recommended his immediate suspension from the service of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a letter to the Police Service Commission on 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.
In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank MBA, the IGP 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.
He also said that the suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favor of the officer.
The Special Investigation Panel(SIP) which has four senior police officers, is headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
The SIP is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the United States Government, obtain a detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations leveled against him, conduct further Investigations as it seems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter.
The IGP has reaffirmed the commitment on the Force to the Rule of Law while assuring 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.
It will be recalled that last week, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation linked Kyari to Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi during their Investigation. The FBI had alleged that Hushpuppi bribed Kyari to jail an errant gang member over a fraudulent deal worth millions of naira.
The Police Service Commission has suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force from the exercise of the powers and functions of his office.
In a statement made available by Head, Press and Public Relations , Ikechukwu Ani, on Sunday 1st August, Abba Kyari’s suspension took effect from Saturday, July 31st 2021 and would last, pending the outcome of the investigation in respect of his indictment by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation .
The Commission has also directed the inspector General of Police to provide it with information on further development on the matter for necessary further action.
