By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
It is also on record that the same American FBI that is accusing him of wrong doing gave him an award of appreciation for rescuing two American hostages from the hands of bandits in Kaduna in 2018. And now he is being accused of abuse of office, aiding and abetting cyber crime, and fraud and money laundry. So, Abba Kyari and FBI case obviously could be that of international conspiracy or jealousy and set up or a case of corruption fighting back or all of the above.
When the news filtered in mid last week about the purported dealings between the super cop DCP Abba Kyari and the notorious fraudster Ramon Abbas also known as Hushpuppi, many observers and analysts were surprised but those conversant with what is known as the conspiracy theory were not surprised at all. I am not surprised either but my worry is that the case if not handled properly and diplomatically as it should, it might rubbish the glorious career of our “super cop” and that exactly is the intention of the forces behind the case.
I have read some piece on the topic of the day – some jeering and some defending him. However, the truth must be told. But even if the story was true, hasn’t Abba Kyari done more than enough in crime fighting in this country to earn our sympathy and support? Should we throw away the child with the bath water? I am actually encouraged by the fact that despite those gloating about his case many has risen to defend him.
One thing Nigerians learnt from the current regime from inception in 2015 is that when you fight corruption, it would fight back. Abba Kyari as an officer of the law fought crime and criminality in Nigerian with uncommon commitment and patriotic zest earning the sobriquet “super cop” and motley of local and international awards to the envy of his colleagues and to the shame of the dons in the nether world of crime.
He busted many high-profile crime syndicates. He stepped on many toes and fished in many troubled waters and ruffled many feathers. Thus, his case is classical case of set-up but it appeared, he was carried away by the euphoria of success and applause he garnered to guard against backlash. He obviously did not watch his back as expected of officer of his caliber. But then, as a young man that he is, Abba Kyari is not immune to mistakes. He was obviously distracted by his super cop status to notice the plot against his person. He might be paying the price of carelessness and indiscretion rather fraud as he was alleged accused.
In truth, no officer in the history of the Nigerian police force is as decorated as Abba Kyari with motley of awards in his kitty. It is also on record that the same American FBI that is accusing him of wrong doing gave him an award of appreciation for rescuing two American hostages from the hands of bandits in Kaduna in 2018. And now he is being accused of abuse of office, aiding and abetting cyber crime, and fraud and money laundry. So, Abba Kyari and FBI case obviously could be that of international conspiracy or jealousy and set up or a case of corruption fighting back or all of the above.
Be that as it may, we will not throw away the child with the bath water. We must defend our own against grand design to rubbish his hard earned reputation. When the dust is settled, we are certain that the truth would be unearthed.
Who are those complaining about his association with Hushpuppi? Before now, Hushpuppi was never convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction of any wrong doing and so questioning Abba Kyari interaction with Hushpuppi is tantamount to questioning his fundamental right of freedom of association as a person.
Against this backdrop, the news of his purported suspension from Office by Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba is heart rending when the investigation into the alleged fraud is yet to be concluded according to the latest release from the police high command. The said suspension only two days after the commencement of investigation into the case is quite hasty. Was it to please FBI and its allies or to follow due diligence? I am not in any way saying that misconduct should not be sanctioned but me thinks that the police authorities should tread softly in this matter to avoid miscarriage of justice.
Abba Kyari is an inspiration and a role model too to many youths in this country thus his current travail is devastatingly felt by many. We should not give the criminals elements amongst us room to reinforce and unleash terror on the people again. Nigeria must resist the request to extradite DCP Abba Kyari as requested by the US. Nigeria should handle the matter here for whatever he was alleged to have done was done on Nigerian soil, not in America.
In conclusion, one take home from this case is that officers of the law should be wary and vigilant at all times knowing that they are usually a soft target for men of the underworld. I hope that our own super cop DCP Abba Kyari will overcome this temporary trial and come back to do that which he knows how best to do – combating crime.
Hajia Hadiza Mohammed can be reached at [email protected]
