By Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu Gobir
On August 29, 2022, the Federal High Court 5, Abuja, dismissed the extradition case against DCP Abba Kyari. To date, the Federal Government of Nigeria has not appealed the court’s decision. Consequently, the dismissal remains valid and binding under Nigerian law.
It is important to note that no Nigerian citizen can be extradited to any foreign country without the express approval of a Nigerian court, as clearly stipulated by law.
Clarifying the Allegations
Contrary to several misleading reports, Abba Kyari never received a single kobo from Ramon Abbas (a.k.a. Hushpuppi). Likewise, Hushpuppi never reimbursed any expenses incurred by the Nigerian Police team that investigated a case he voluntarily reported — concerning a suspect who allegedly threatened his mother.
In Nigeria, it is not unlawful for a complainant to voluntarily cover basic logistics expenses such as vehicle fuel or accommodation for investigators, given the well-known fact that government funding for police investigations is grossly inadequate. However, under American law, even voluntary funding of police operations is an offense. The misunderstanding between both legal systems led to the false perception of wrongdoing in this case.
Facts Behind the Case
After investigations, it was discovered that the suspect Hushpuppi accused of threatening his mother was not an armed robber, but rather a member of his own cyber-fraud syndicate, who had a personal dispute with him.
The suspect was detained and later granted bail after three weeks due to serious medical conditions — against Hushpuppi’s wishes, as he had demanded the suspect be charged for armed robbery.
When Kyari refused to press such false charges, Hushpuppi became displeased and subsequently withheld the voluntary logistics reimbursement he had earlier promised. Kyari, notably, never followed up or requested it again.
The records clearly show that Kyari had no financial or criminal dealings with Hushpuppi.
Their only interactions were:
1. A brief meeting in Dubai, September 2019, when Kyari visited with his family.
2. Two phone conversations in January and May 2020, where Hushpuppi requested police assistance for:
A threat-to-life complaint involving his mother.
Another case where his associate, Martins, was allegedly defrauded of ₦8 million.
In the second instance, Kyari received a complaint and evidence (bank transfer slips) from Martins and successfully traced the suspect. Kyari never benefitted financially from any of these complaints.
Kyari’s Record and Integrity
Despite chronic underfunding of investigations in Nigeria, Kyari’s career record remains unblemished. He handled thousands of cases with outstanding results and never demanded or collected money for investigations or favors.
Those who speak ill of him are largely individuals with vested interests — including criminals he brought to justice, those who envy his achievements, or people misled by sponsored media falsehoods.
Anyone with evidence contrary to these verified facts is challenged to present it publicly.
Findings of the 2021 Investigation Panel
A Federal Police Panel convened in September 2021 thoroughly investigated the allegations and confirmed all the facts outlined above.
The individual who defrauded Martins of ₦8 million appeared before the panel, confessed to the fraud, and affirmed that Kyari had no prior knowledge of the transaction until six weeks after it occurred.
The suspect’s bank records were also examined, and no financial link to Kyari was established. The suspect remains alive and can corroborate these findings.
On Extradition and National Sovereignty
It is also worth recalling that Chief Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Airlines, has faced two U.S. extradition requests — first in 2019, and again in 2024. The Federal Government of Nigeria, exercising its sovereignty, declined both requests, recognizing Chief Onyema’s vital contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
In a similar light, Abba Kyari’s contributions to national security are invaluable. Just as Onyema is essential to Nigeria’s economic stability, Kyari remains a critical asset in the fight against crime and insecurity.
Those making unsubstantiated claims against him should educate themselves on the facts and avoid spreading half-truths and ignorance in the media.
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Conclusion
The truth remains constant:
The extradition case against Abba Kyari has been lawfully dismissed.
No credible evidence links him to Hushpuppi’s criminal activities.
Investigations by competent authorities vindicated him.
His integrity and service record speak louder than unfounded allegations.
Until proven otherwise in a competent court of law, DCP Abba Kyari stands innocent in the eyes of justice and in the conscience of all fair-minded Nigerians.