The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered an internal review of the allegations against Abba Kyari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), over his alleged involvement in a $1.1 million bribe involving Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas.
This is following a warrant of arrest against DCP Abba Kyari by Judge Otis Wright of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Wright ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track down Kyari and produce him in the United States for his role in the alleged fraud perpetrated by Hushpuppi.
According to IGP Baba, in a statement by CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, “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.”
Abbas Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai last June and he pleaded guilty to fraud in the U.S. this week. The FBI said Messrs. Abbas and Kyari have been friends and were both involved in a conspiracy to launder money.
Kyari was also indicted of receiving bribes from Abbas to arrest a member of the syndicate in Nigeria.
Judge Wright’s permission for the FBI to arrest Kyari and hold him in U.S. custody was unsealed on July 26.
However, DCP Abba Kyari, in a statement, said he did not demand any money from Hushpuppi, adding that he introduced the accused to a cloth seller whom Hushpuppi paid about N300,000.
Kyari, who took to his verified Facebook page, said, “Hushpuppi called our office about two years ago that somebody in Nigeria seriously threatened to kill his family here in Nigeria and he sent the person’s phone number and pleaded we take action before the person attacks his family.
“We traced and arrested the suspect and after investigations we discovered there wasn’t an actual threat to anyone’s life and they are longtime friends who have money issues between them hence we released the suspect on bail to go and he was not taken to any jail.
“Nobody demanded for a kobo from Abbas Hushpuppi. Our focus was to save people’s lives that were purported to have been threatened.
“Later, he saw some of my native clothes and caps on my social media page and he said he likes them and he was connected to the person selling the clothes and he sent about N300k directly to the person’s account. The native clothes and caps (5 sets) were brought to our office and he sent somebody to collect them in our office.
“Nobody demanded any money from Abbas Hushpuppi and nobody collected any money from him. We responded to a distress call he made on threat to his family and released the suspect when we discovered there was no life threat from the suspect. This is the true story. Vincent is alive, he can be contacted.
“For those who are celebrating that this is an indictment on us and mentioning some fictitious big money, they will be disappointed once again as our hands are clean and our record of service for two decades is open for everybody to see. They will continue seeing us serving our father land and we will continue responding to all distress calls from all Nigerians provided they are life-threatening.
“For Good Nigerians who appreciate our service please don’t worry as our hands are clean and they should please not respond to those celebrating and creating many false narratives without any evidence. We are used to such types of people and false newsmakers and distributors.
“Thank you all and God bless Nigeria.”