The head of IGP Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari who is currently embattled over alleged tie with a suspected internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, may have similar fate with the former Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu who was suspended over alleged insubordination and re-looting of recovered funds.
Recall that Mr Magu was arrested in July 2020 by the Department of State Services, DSS, for allegedly re-looting recovered funds while fighting corruption.
The financial crime fighter who prior to his arrest was projected as one with financial integrity was subsequently suspended by the Federal Government following the allegations of gross misconduct.
Similarly, Abba Kyari who has been at the forefront tackling criminality in the country, particularly in the Southeastern region, has been accused of receiving bribe from the Instagram celebrity, Hushpuppi who is currently facing trial in the United State over money laundering allegation.
Daily Post, on Thursday reported that the United States Department of Justice stated that an ongoing investigation revealed that Hushpuppi allegedly bribed Kyari to arrest one Mr Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, one of his accomplices in Nigeria.
But the police boss in a statement he hurriedly issued on Thursday via his verified Facebook page, denied the allegations, stating that he did not receive any amount from the Instagram influencer.
However, following the allegations, the United States District Court for the Central District of California presided by Otis Wright, ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to arrest and detain the DCP.
Daily Post reports that the allegation triggered backlash from several concerned Nigerians, including top political officials as many took to their social media handles to demand the Immediate removal of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri while reacting to the reports, said Nigerians are patiently waiting to see how President Muhmadu Buhari would handle the case.
According to him, how the Federal Government handle the allegations would determine if the president has preferential treatment for a certain ethnic group in the country.
In a post on his official social media handle, Reno Omokri wrote, “Now that the lid has been blown off Abba Kyari’s ‘other room’ activities we await what the Nigerian Government will do with its so called super cop, whose recent pastimes has been to attend celebrity weddings and burials. This alleged FBI indictment must not be swept under the table because he shares ethnicity with Buhari.
“We watch to see if Buhari will arrest Abba Kyari with the same speed and brutality with which he attempted to arrest Sunday Igboho. This will help us know whether some are more equal than others in Nigeria. Because if Abba Kyari was Igbo, by now he would have been suspended”.
Similarly, Simon Ekpa, one of the disciples of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, while reacting to the accusations, said Nigeria only knows how to “breed criminals like Abba Kyari”.
“We are no longer talking about criminals in the streets but criminals in the uniform. We are talking about the Yahoo Yahoo boys in the uniform.
“Abba Kyari has been the one who masterminded all the killings in Biafra land including the burning of all police stations”, the Finland citizen stated in a live broadcast on Thursday.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also called on President Buhari to order a forensic investigation into the allegations.
According to the opposition party, the revelation of the involvement of Kyari as a receiver of proceeds of international fraud is worrisome, disturbing and a stain on Nigeria’s positive image.
PDP which made the remark in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, warned that the revelation should not be swept under the carpet.
“Our party demands that the APC administration should not sweep this matter under the carpet given the manifest rapport between Kyari and some top APC leaders.
“We urge President Buhari not to “ease out” this case of corruption but should immediately restore the integrity and image of our nation by allowing for a forensic investigation on the suspect”, the statement added.
In a different view, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister said he would not concur to the allegation, stating that Kyrai had risked his life to rescue the country from the hands of criminal elements.
In a post on his Facebook page, Femi wrote, “A super cop that has risked his life protecting us from kidnappers, murderers & terrorists all these years& that has arrested more criminals than any other is accused of taking bribes from a yahoo boy & scammer all the way from America & we are expected to believe it? Not me!
“Abba is one of the bravest, brightest and best cops in Nigeria and I will not believe these crazy allegations levelled against him or condemn him unless I see any evidence to the contrary”.
However, the Inspector Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba on Thursday, ordered an internal review of the allegations.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CP Frank Mba said “the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the strengthening of its professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners”.
