IGP Orders Probe into Abba Kyari’s Link With Hushpuppi

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, has directed a probe into allegations that a super cop, Mr Abba Kyari, had dealings with suspected internet fraudster, Mr Abbas Olohunwa, otherwise known as Hushpuppi.

The Instagram star was apprehended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020 for alleged defrauding several persons in the United States.

He was trailed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before his arrest and then taken to American for prosecution.

A while ago, it was reported that he pleaded guilty to the charges against him after agreeing to speak the truth about the whole issue.

In the court documents flying about on social media, it was revealed that Hushpuppi informed the FBI that he paid Mr Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in the Nigeria Police, to arrest and torture a fellow alleged fraudster also facing trial in the US because of a deal gone wrong.

In a quick response on Thursday, the highly-celebrated crime buster, who has been tipped to become the nation’s police chief in the future, admitted being contacted by Hushpuppi, but emphasised that money did not exchange hands as being alleged.

“Abbas who we later came to know as Hushpuppi called our office about 2years ago that somebody in Nigeria Seriously threatened to kill his Family here in Nigeria and he sent the person’s Phone number and pleaded we take action before the Person attacks his family.

“We traced and arrested the Suspect and after investigations we discovered there wasn’t an actual threat to anyone’s life And they are long time friends who have money issues between them hence we released the Suspect on bail to go and he was not taken to any jail.

“Nobody demanded for a kobo from Abbas Hushpuppi. Our focus was to Save people’s lives that were purported to have been threatened.

“Later, he saw some of my Native Clothes and Caps on my social media page and he said he likes them and he was connected to the person selling the clothes and he sent about N300k directly to the person’s account. The Native Clothes and Caps (5 sets) were brought to our office and He sent somebody to Collect them in our office.

“Nobody demanded any money from Abbas Hushpuppi and nobody collected any money from him. We responded to a distress call he made on threat to his family and released the Suspect when we discovered there was no life threat from the Suspect. This is the true story. Vincent is alive, he can be contacted.

“For those who are celebrating that this is an indictment on us and mentioning some fictitious Big Money, They will be disappointed once again as our hands are clean and our record of Service for 2 decades is open for everybody to See. They will continue seeing us serving our father land and we will Continue responding to ALL distress Calls from ALL Nigerians provided they are life threatening.

“For Good Nigerians who appreciate our Service please don’t worry as our hands are clean and they should please not respond to those celebrating and creating many false Narratives without any Evidence. We are used to such types of people and false newsmakers and distributors. Beware of Many Fake/Doctored Documents purportedly to be from USA that are circulating too,” his unedited response read.

But after much pressure, the police authorities have decided to look into the matter, though Mr Kyari was not told to step aside as ethics would have demanded.

“Sequel to the receipt of allegations and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against one of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba has ordered an internal review of the allegations.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the strengthening of its professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners.

“Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly,” a statement issued on Thursday night by the spokesman of the police, Mr Frank Mba, disclosed.