The Federal Government has approved the request by the United States of America for repatriation of the suspended Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari over $1.1 million internet fraud.
This approval was passed in an application presented before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s repatriation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Kyari’s deportation request is linked to the indictment in the $1.1 million internet fraud perpetrated by Abass Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi and four others, as reported by Vanguard. The request read “for the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in superseding three counts indictment.”
However, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) expressed his satisfaction knowing that the offence regarding Kyari’s surrender is neither political nor trivial. He also expressed gratification that the request for the surrender was not to persecute or punish Kyari in respect to his race, religion, nationality or political opinions. Rather, it was an act of good faith and fight for justice.
The AGF further stressed that based on the circumstances in which the offence was committed; it will not be unjust or cruel to surrender him.
In similar vein, Malami expressed his pleasure that Kyari has been accused of the offence for which his surrender is sought. Stating that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari in Nigeria for the same offence.
Recall that in April 2021, a jury filed an indictment against Kyari with the approval of the U.S. District Court and demanded Kyari stand trial for conspiracy to commit internet fraud, money laundering and identity theft. Subsequently, the US Embassy requested for Kyari’s repatriation on the 29th of April, 2021 based on the indictment filed by the grand jury and the approval of the warrant arrest of Kyari by the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Kyari was accused of conspiring with a United Arab Emirates (UAE)- based Nigerian, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi to commit the crime of internet fraud.
The charges against Kyari reads, “Count one: Conspiracy to commit internet fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, associated with a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years”
“Count two: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956 (h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.”
“Count three: Intensified identity theft, aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), allied with a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
