The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered an “internal review of the allegations” against a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, by a United States court.
The police made this known in a statement on Thursday, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleged that a suspect, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, used Kyari to arrest and jail a co-conspirator, Chibuzo Vincent, after the latter threatened to expose an alleged $1m fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.
The Nigeria Police statement was titled, ‘Alleged Indictment Of DCP Abba Kyari: Inspector-General Of Police Orders A Review Of The Information’
It read, “Sequel to the receipt of allegations and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against one of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered an internal review of the allegations.
“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.
“Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly.”
The PUNCH had earlier reported that in a Facebook post, Kyari explained that Hushpuppi called his office and reported a death threat from someone about two years ago.
The cop said the suspect, Vincent, was arrested but later released after investigations revealed that “they are long time friends who have money issues between them.”
Kyari also said that he did not receive any money from Hushpuppi.
In a plea agreement document sighted by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Hushpuppi pleaded guilty as charged.
The document was signed by Hushpuppi; his lawyer, Loius Shapiro; and Acting United States Attorney, Tracy Wilkison, among others.
It stated that Hushpuppi risks “20 years’ imprisonment; a three-year period of supervised release; a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offence.”
The document, however, did not mention the date of the plea hearing.
Credit: Punch