IGP Finally Submits Probe Report On Abba Kyari, Hushpuppi

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alkali Usman, has submitted the report of a probe panel set up to investigate the suspended super cop and former Head of the Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari, Thecitypulsenews reports. 

The outcome of the investigation, as captured in the report, was submitted by the IGP to the Police Service Commission (PSC) four months after it was first handed over to him.

Kyari came under the radar of the authorities over his alleged role in a $1.1m internet scam. The scam was allegedly perpetrated by an Instagram influencer and suspected fraudster, known as Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi; as well as four others. The super cop had been indicted by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); with the agency requesting the extradition of the highly decorated police officer to the US to stand trial.

Consequently, Kyari had been suspended by police authorities in Nigeria; while a panel was set up to probe his alleged involvement.

1st News reports that the Special Investigation Panel (SIP), headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, was inaugurated on August 2, 2021. The panel had invited and taken testimonies from Kyari and other persons linked to the matter. Thereafter, it had turned in its report to the IGP on August 26, 2021.

While receiving the report back in August, the IGP  had commended the panel for the work done; while noting that the Force Management would review the findings and recommendations before forwarding same to the necessary authorities for action.

1st News reports that Hushpuppi, a flashy Instagram influencer, was arrested by the Dubai Police; working in concert with Interpol and the FBI in the United Arab Emirates in June 2020 in an operation codenamed Fox Hunt 2. Hushpuppi was later extradited to the US to stand trial for internet fraud and other related charges. Investigations conducted by the FBI alleged that Hushpuppi had engaged Kyari to illegally detain a co-conspirator; identified as Chibuzo Vincent, after he allegedly threatened to expose a $1.1m fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.