Group seeks amnesty for Abba Kyari, faults prolonged imprisonment

A group known as One Voice Development Initiative has expressed its dissatisfaction with the prolonged imprisonment of Abba Kyari, the former head of the IGP Intelligent Response Team (IRT), alleging it is an injustice that has gone too far.

They also noted that Kyari played a crucial role in the apprehension of high-profile kidnappers, leaders of Boko Haram, and major oil bunkers during his tenure as head of the IRT, and has been in custody following allegations of abuse of office leveled against him by the NDLEA.

President of the group, Abbas Abdullah Yakasai, disclosed this at the press conference, emphasizing the need to highlight the outstanding services and remarkable accomplishments of a truly patriotic officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.

He said that many Nigerians believe that his denial of bail, despite his alleged offense being bailable, is politically motivated and a consequence of his arrest and prosecution of drug barons and high-profile kidnappers.

According to the group, it’s funny enough that the drug traffickers his Police IRT Arrested in Enugu Airport on 19/1/2022 and voluntarily transferred to NDLEA have been released since 19/5/2023 while the law enforcement officers who arrested the Drug Criminals are still in detention.

Yakasai said: “The journey so far and the prolonged incarceration of DCP Abba Kyari for more than 2 years now have raised serious concerns about the subversion of his constitutional rights and freedom for mere power play.

“DCP Abba Kyari is a distinguished officer within the Nigeria Police Force Docarated with Triple IGP medals for Courage 2012, 2013, and 2014, Presidential Medal of Courage from President Mohammadu Buhari 2016, unprecedented Award for Outstanding Service to the Nation by the National Assembly 2020 amongst hundreds of other awards for excellence too numerous to mention.

“Kyari is known for his zeal, dedication and commitment to excellence. His record of service and sacrifices in defence of our nation exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Abba Kyari’s strategic initiatives and operational acumen led to the successful apprehension of thousands of notorious criminals, terrorists, kidnappers, and the
disruption of their nefarious activities.

“His exceptional bravery in the fight against banditry and insurgency significantly bolstered the efforts of law enforcement agencies, restoring hope to the common man by ensuring justice and defence for all Nigerians,” he stated.

In a plea directed at President Bola Tinubu, the group implores him to review Kyari’s unparalleled record as a security officer and grant him amnesty, reinstating him to lead the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

He added, “His continued involvement and leadership in combating crime are vital to safeguarding the lives and properties of our fellow citizens and preserving the integrity of our beloved country.

“It is disheartening to witness the efforts of DCP Abba Kyari being tarnished by enemies of Nigeria and some groups of highly connected criminals/Terrorists with members both abroad and in Nigeria who have vowed to destroy Nigeria and break
it into Pieces.

“These groups have been sponsoring hundreds of baseless accusations and concocted lies against the SuperCop since 2021. We Nigerians must be careful of these groups who have hundreds of thousands of members across the globe. They don’t like anything or any person that is good for Nigeria.

“The denial of bail to him for a baseless and fabricated set-up which is completely bailable represents a clear violation of his fundamental rights and a subversion of constitutional order.”