Police commence DCP Abba Kyari probe over Hushpuppi’s scam

The Police have commenced a probe of Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), for his alleged involvement in internet fraud perpetrated by Rahman Abba, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

Newsflash Nigeria had reported that the Otis Wright of the United States District Court for the Central District of California ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation to track down Abba Kyari and produce him in the United States for his role in a multi-million dollar fraud perpetrated by Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi; and his co-conspirators.

The court had said Hushpuppi used Kyari to arrest and jail a co-conspirator, Chibuzo Vincent after the latter threatened to expose a $1m fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.

According to the indictment by the court, Hushpuppi allegedly conspired with five others – including Vincent – to defraud the businessperson (whose name was withheld) by claiming to be consultants and bankers who could facilitate a loan to finance the construction of a school in Qatar.

The document also said Hushpuppi worked with some of his partners in crime including 28-year-old Abdulrahman Juma from Kenya, and 40-year-old Chibuzo Vincent from Nigeria. Other are Yusuf Anifowoshe, 26; Rukayat Fashola, 28; and Bolatito Agbabiaka, 34.

However, Hushpuppi allegedly hunted Vincent after a dispute broke out among the team and after the latter threatened to expose the fraud to the Qatari businessman.

 “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 statement partly read.

READ ALSO: EFCC told me to maintain a low profile after Hushpuppi’s arrest – Mompha

However, the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) has begun a probe of DCP Abba Kyari for his alleged involvement in internet fraud perpetrated by Hushpuppi.

The commencement of the investigation followed the PSC approval of a four-man special committee set up by Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba to review the allegations against Abba Kyari by the United States Government.

PSC also approved Alkali’s recommendation for the suspension of the DCP pending the outcome of the probe. The suspension commenced on Saturday.

Kyari, who heads the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force, has since denied any involvement in the fraud as contained in documents presented to a U.S court by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

READ ALSO: FBI submits evidence against Abba Kyari over Hushpuppi’s scam

The IGP had in a letter to the PSC dated July 31, explained that his request for Kyari’s suspension was is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the NPF.

The letter partly reads: “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.”

Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba said the four-member panel probing the suspended officer is headed by  Deputy Inspector-General of Police Joseph Egbunike.

He, however, did not give the names of the three other SIP members in his statement.

Mba’s statement reads: ”The  SIP,  comprising four 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 FBI.

“The SIP is also to obtain a 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 IGP, said Mba, reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF  to the rule of law and absolute respect for the rights and privileges of Kyari throughout the period of the investigations.

“The PSC, however,  directed the IGP yesterday to furnish it with information on further development on the matter for necessary action.

“The commission’s decision  was conveyed in a letter with reference, PSC/POL/D/153/vol/V/138 to the IGP  today (Sunday, August 1),”  was signed by the commission’s  Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, and Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, a  Justice of the Supreme Court and PSC Commissioner.”

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