Former top Cop Abba Kyari granted bail after 27 months in detention
Abba Kyari, the former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force, has been granted bail after 27 months in detention. A Federal High Court in Abuja granted Kyari a two-week bail period, allowing him a temporary reprieve amid his ongoing prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged drug trafficking.
A Long Road to Bail
Kyari’s detention and subsequent legal troubles stem from serious allegations levied against him and his team. In 2022, the NDLEA accused Kyari and his IRT team of arresting drug traffickers arriving from Ethiopia with 25 kilograms of cocaine, only to siphon off 15 kilograms for themselves. This scandal followed closely on the heels of another significant accusation from the United States government, which indicted Kyari in connection with an internet fraud case involving notorious cybercriminal Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi.
Suspension and Fallout
In light of these allegations, Kyari was suspended from the Nigerian Police Force along with two senior officers, Sunday Ubua and James Bawa. The suspensions marked a dramatic fall from grace for Kyari, once hailed as a “super cop” for his role in combating crime in Nigeria.
Bail and Bereavement
Kyari’s bail comes shortly after the death of his mother, Yachilla Kyari, on May 5, 2024. The court’s decision to grant him a two-week bail period coincides with the time needed to conclude his mother’s burial rites. Despite being unable to attend her burial, Kyari’s release will allow him to pay his respects and participate in the final ceremonies.
Public Reaction in Borno State
The death of Yachilla Kyari was met with an outpouring of grief in Borno State, where she was a well-respected figure. Residents turned out in large numbers to pay their last respects, underscoring the family’s prominent status in the community. The burial took place on the same day as her passing, in accordance with local customs.
Upcoming Court Dates
While Kyari enjoys this temporary freedom, his legal battles are far from over. The Federal High Court has set May 31, 2024, as the date to determine the terms of his bail application related to the drug trafficking charges. Until then, Kyari is required to comply with the conditions of his current bail arrangement.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations against Kyari have their roots in a high-profile drug trafficking bust that went awry. The NDLEA’s charges claim that Kyari and his IRT team, after intercepting a group of traffickers, diverted a substantial portion of the seized cocaine for personal gain. This incident significantly tarnished the reputation of the Nigerian Police Force and led to intense scrutiny and calls for accountability within the ranks.
Adding to Kyari’s woes was the indictment from the U.S. government, which implicated him in a scheme orchestrated by Hushpuppi. According to U.S. authorities, Kyari facilitated Hushpuppi’s fraudulent activities by assisting in a scheme to defraud a Qatari businessman. This international dimension to Kyari’s legal troubles further complicated his situation and attracted global attention.
Legal and Public Implications
Kyari’s case has sparked widespread debate about corruption and accountability in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies. His fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale of how the abuse of power and involvement in criminal activities can lead to severe consequences. The NDLEA’s prosecution is seen as a crucial step towards restoring integrity and public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.
The Future of Kyari’s Case
As Kyari prepares to attend his mother’s final rites, the legal community and the public will be closely watching the proceedings scheduled for May 31. The court’s decision on his bail application will be pivotal in determining the next steps in his legal journey. Should the court deny his bail, Kyari could face a prolonged period of detention as the drug trafficking case unfolds.
