The Nigerian government has approved the request by the United States of America for the extradition of the suspended Commander of the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team, Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Abba Kyari.
The country’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) made this known when he filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
Kyari is wanted to stand trial for conspiracy, money laundering and identity theft.
He was accused of conspiring with a United Arab Emirates UAE-based Nigerian, Ramon Abbas, a.k.a Hushpuppi to commit the crime.
A grand jury, had on April 29, 2021, filed an indictment against Kyari with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had on Tuesday filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
“The request is for the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in a superseding three counts indictment,” it read.
The AGF also expressed satisfaction that the request for the surrender of Kyari was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions but in good faith and the interest of justice.
He said “Kyari, if surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his personal liberty, by reason of his race, nationality or political opinions”.
The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it will not be unjust or oppressive, or be too severe a punishment, to surrender him.
Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari has been accused of the offence for which his surrender is sought.
He noted that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari in Nigeria for the same offence.
The charges against Kyari reads: “Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years;
“Count two: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956(h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
“Count three: Aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.”
Nneka Ukachukwu
