The suspension of DCP Abba Kyari and head of intelligence response unit by the Police Service Commission on the directive of Inspector General of Police did not come to many Nigerians as a surprise. The highly decorated super cop who in the last decade was in the news for bursting criminal syndicates has been indicted by the US FIB as a conspirator in the $1.1million fraud involving Ramos, popularly known as Hushpuppi, against Qatari business man. Since the time the sad news broke, many could not believe it. To them, Abba kyari who has carved a niche for himself in the course of discharging his constitutional responsibilities must have stepped on the toes of powerful people, hence his current travails. However, others are of the opinion Kyari is being blackmailed by his enemies who are not comfortable with his towering popularity. Whatever may be the case, Kyari is not indicted here in Nigeria. The Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States of America actually carried out the investigation and came up with the report of his involvement.
Since his indictment, Kyari has been trying to exonerate himself from the charges filed against him by US intelligence agency. He admitted that the notorious cyber criminal, Hushpuppi, had admired his clothes which he displayed in Instagram and ordered for the supply. He also stated Hushpuppi had sent him a phone number of suspect. And when he carried out the investigation, he found out it was not true and released the suspect. From what transpired between DCP Kyari and Hushpuppi, it was morally and professionally wrong for the super cop to be tempted into hobnobbing with one of the globally- profiled criminals. It has also raised suspicions that the super cop has been dealing with the internet fraudster not for the first time. However, whether Kyari’s hands are soiled in the $1.1 fraud or not, it’s left for him to defend himself. What disturbed many of his supporters was how he brought himself so low, threw professionalism to the dogs and sold his hard -earned reputation for materials gains. Kyari’s travails came at a time when Nigerians have lost confidence in the Nigerian police force and looked up to the likes of him as a role model.
With the rumours of illegal acquisition of assets scattered across the length and breadth by the suspended Kyari, it seemed like he has toed the path of Ibrahim Magu, the former EFCC boss who fell from fame to infamy. With how public trust is being abused by men in uniform or even among public servants, government should pay more emphasis on morality and good values. For Abba Kyari, a once celebrated icon and super cop, he needs to prove his innocence beyond reasonable doubt. The Kyari saga is one among many and should serve as a wake-up call for government to reform our battered police force.
