A group called One Voice Development Initiative has faulted continued incarceration of former head of the IGP Intelligent Response Team (IRT) Abba Kyari, saying it is “an injustice taken too far.”
The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to “look at his record which is exemplary, unequal, unmatched, the best among security officers ever in Nigeria to grant him amnesty and freedom, reinstate him to lead the fight against insecurity.”
Kyari whose role as head of IRT saw the arrest of many high profile kidnappers, leaders of Boko Haram terrorists and brought down key oil bunkerers among others had been incarcerated on account of NDLEA, who accused him of alleged abuse of office.
But he has been denied bail for allegation that the Law clearly says its bailable, a development many Nigerians say is political and that he possibly may have stepped “on big toes for arresting drug barons and high profile kidnappers.”
Kyari has denied any wrongdoing and many of his well wishers often routed his achievements in office including highest national awards and many other awards including House of Representatives who held plenary to bequeath on him special recognition.
The group faulted his continued stay in prison arguing that his exemplary service when he was head of IRT is enough reason to grant him amnesty.
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.
Speaking on behalf of the group during a press conference, the president of 1voiD, Abbas Abdullah Yakasai, said the group decided “to shed light on the exemplary services and remarkable achievements of a true patriotic officer; a person, who dedicated his life to the service of our nation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.
“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.”
He said, “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 thedisruption 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.
He stressed that, “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.
“This injustice undermines the very fabric of our democratic society and reflects a disturbing trend of personal vendetta, vindictiveness, malice and envy overshadowing the pursuit of justice.
“The so-called charges pressed against DCP Abba Kyari are bailable in law, yet he remains unjustly incarcerated while hardened criminals and people who looted hundreds of Billions of Naira from Public funds are walking free today.
“This disparity in treatment is unacceptable and goes against the principles of fairness and equality enshrined in our constitution.
“As patriotic Nigerians committed to the advancement of our nation’s interests, the One Voice Development Initiative calls upon our Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively and ensure the immediate release of DCP Abba Kyari.
“We implore President Tinubu to direct the cessation of all frivolous, malicious charges and faceless claims against DCP Abba Kyari and allow him to resume his service to the nation.
“We trust in President Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership to consider our appeal in the best interests of our internal security and the well-being of Nigerian citizens,” Yakasai.