Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has recommended the immediate suspension of Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) over his indictment in a $1.1 million international fraud conspiracy with a notorious fraudster, Ramoni Abass, popularly know as Hushpuppi.
According to a statement on Sunday, August 1, by the Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the IGP made the recommendation to the Police Service Commission in a July 31 letter.
Mba said that Kyari, a celebrated police officer, will remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigations into his alleged corruption.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has recommended the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him.”
He added that the suspension is meant to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to carry out its internal investigations.
The statement read, ”The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
“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.
“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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
”The SIP is also to obtain 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 had earlier called for a review of the allegations against Kyari.
Recall that the Police Service Commission, had also earlier, said if Kyari is found culpable of the alleged crime, the supper cop would face dismissal or demotion, and prosecution.