Hushpuppi: Buhari to decide fate of suspended police chief, Abba Kyari – Police Minister

The Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi has revealed that President Buhari will take the final decision on the extradition request of suspended head of the Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari.

Embattled Kyari is to answer allegations of complicity in the $1.1million bribe fraud perpetrated by celebrity Internet fraudster Ramon Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi and four others. 

But Kyari denied the allegation, claiming that his “hands are clean”.

The police commission suspended Kyari with effect from July 31 pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Channels Television program ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday, September 14, 

Dingyadi said the Federal Government is ensuring it does due diligence on the allegations because of its international connotations.

Read also: Hushpuppi Fraud: U.S Court orders Abba Kyari’s arrest

“The issue of Abba Kyari has become a public domain and I think by now everybody has heard that the police in their very wisdom, in their usual way of becoming transparent and fair to all have set up a committee to investigate all these allegations,” Dingyadi said. 

“We have also reported that the committee has submitted the report to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). We have also submitted this report and recommendations to the Attorney-General of the Federation for a legal opinion, thereafter, we will take it to Mr President for final consideration.

“So, you can see that even though this matter is a local matter here, it has some international connotations.  We have to do some due diligence to ensure that we do the right thing. We have to do some consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice before a final decision will be taken.

“But what is important is that Nigerians should know that the police management is up and doing and they have done what they are supposed to do. I hope people will wait and see what actions will be taken on this matter.”

Dingyadi also clarified the role of the Police Service Commission (PSC) on the probe of Kyari.

“The investigation is supposed to be done by the police, because he is their staff. We have informed the Police Service Commission, and they have directed that the officer be suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the investigation,” he added.

“By the time we finish this thing, we’ll refer what is needed to be referred to the Police Service Commission for final action. So, I think it is the police who have the responsibility to investigate.”