The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations on him.
The IGP made the recommendation in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021, stating that the suspension of the officer was in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
IGP Usman Alkali Baba believed that the suspension is to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the allegations against DCP Kyari without interference.
The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
It was learnt that Special Investigation Panel, comprising four, Senior Police Officers, headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, was ordered to review all the allegations against Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that had been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Authority on the case.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations”, the statement added.