Hushpuppi: Why IGP Rejected Egbunike’s Report On Kyari

There are indications that a four-man panel set up to investigate allegations levelled against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, did a shoddy job.

This comes as the Inspector-General Police, Usman Alkali Baba, who ordered Kyari’s investigation, has reportedly rejected the panel’s report.

IGP Baba had directed the panel led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike, to investigate the indictment of Kyari for alleged involvement with a global internet fraud syndicate.

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had indicted the celebrated Nigerian police officer for having links to suspected internet fraudster, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

Kyari was mentioned in a court case involving Hushpuppi and four others accused of defrauding a Qatari businessman to the tune of $1.1 million.

But Egbunike, who currently heads the Force Criminal Investigations Department, was believed to have carried out a slapdash investigation alongside his team, hence the rejection of the panel’s report by the IGP.

A report by Punch quoted sources as saying that the panel’s sessions with Kyari were relaxed and cordial, giving room for the accused to assume he would be absolved of the allegations.

It was alleged that Egbunike has a long-term relationship with Kyari, dating back to when they worked together at the accounts department of the Force.

“The panel concluded its investigation and submitted its report to the IG last Thursday or Friday but the IG rejected it. He was not comfortable with the panel findings and recommendations,” the source told Punch.

THE WHISTLER reported that a U.S. federal court had issued a warrant of arrest against Kyari after the FBI detailed how the officer allegedly used proxies to receive about N8 million from Hushpuppi, who is currently facing charges in the U.S. alongside Abdulrahman Juma (Abdul); Vincent Kelly Chibuzo (Kelly); Rukayat Motunrayo Fashola (Morayo); and Bolatito Agbabiaka (Bolamide).

Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice, Thom Mrozek, had told THE WHISTLER that Kyari would be arrested if and when he sets foot in America.

“I can confirm that an arrest warrant naming Mr. Kyari has been issued in the United States.” Mrozek’s had said in response to THE WHISTLER’s email, adding that “The detention request filed in Los Angeles federal court would come into play only if and when Kyari appears in a United States court.”