By Sunday Elom N.
Hours after the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI declared Nigerian super Cop, Abba Kyari wanted in connection with revelations made by investigations on embattled popular Instagram celebrity, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, the Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba has finally ordered an internal investigation into the matter.
Kyari who is the leader of Police Intelligence Response Team was listed alongside four others by a US District Court, California in a document it released yesterday, ordering unsealing of documents against the defendants who have been declared wanted by the FBI in connection with a high-profile Advanced Fee Fraud perpetrated by Hushpuppi and his syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, in a Press release late yesterday, said the IG’s order is sequel to the receipt of allegations and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against DCP Kyari.
In his statement titled; “Alleged Indictment of DCP Abba Kyari: Inspector-General of Police Orders a Review of the Information”, CP Mba said that 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.
He said that further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly.
According to the indictment by the court, Hushpuppi allegedly conspired with five others – including Vincent – to defraud the businessperson (whose name was withheld) by claiming to be consultants and bankers who could facilitate a loan to finance the construction of a school in Qatar.
The document also said Hushpuppi worked with some of his partners in crime including 28-year-old Abdulrahman Juma from Kenya, and 40-year-old Chibuzo Vincent from Nigeria. Others are; Yusuf Anifowoshe, 26; Rukayat Fashola, 28; and Bolatito Agbabiaka, 34.
However, Hushpuppi allegedly hunted Vincent after a dispute broke out among the team and after the latter threatened to expose the fraud to the Qatari businessman.
“According to the affidavit, Kyari is a highly decorated Deputy Commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force who is alleged to have arranged for Vincent to be arrested and jailed at Abbas’ behest, and then sent Abbas photographs of Vincent after his arrest. Kyari also allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment,” the statement read in part.
However, the leader of the Inspector-General of Police’ Intelligence Response Team, explained in a Facebook post that Hushpuppi called his office and reported a death threat from someone about two years ago.
The cop said the suspect, Vincent, was arrested but later released after investigations revealed that “they are long time friends who have money issues between them”.
Kyari also said he did not receive any money from Hushpuppi.