The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the United States’ extradition request for the Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.
This was disclosed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), while filing an application on Thursday before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
On April 29, 2021, a grand jury filed an indictment against Kyari for the Central District of California with the approval of the U.S District Court. A warrant for his arrest was issued, for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.
He was accused for conspiring with Abass Ramon popularly known as Husspuppi and four others.
The charges against Kyari reads, “Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment 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: Aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
In an application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022, filed under the Extradition Act, Malami said the application followed a request by the Diplomatic Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
The request is “for the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in a superseding three counts indictment.”
He said that Kyari’s offence is not trivial and that the request was not to punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political.
Malami said Kyari, “If surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his personal liberty, by reason of his race, nationality or political opinions.”
He noted that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari for the same offence in Nigeria.
Kyari and five other police officers are undergoing interrogation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over a cocaine deal.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
