The Police have begun probe of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abba Kyari, for his alleged involvement in internet fraud perpetuated by Rahman Abba (aka Hushpuppi).
The commencement of the investigation followed the Police Service Commission’s (PSC ) approval of a four-man special committee set up by Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali to review the allegations against 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).
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 leveled 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.”