By Ismail Auwal
Retired Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Wakil, has endorsed the measures taken by the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission of suspending the embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, over allegations of connivance in the international fraud perpetuated by a Dubai-based Nigerian named Abbas (alias Haspuppi).
Wakili disclosed this in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he stated that the action of the police authority is in keeping with procedures to allow for non interference in the investigation.
Wakili added that, “there is law governing police service, there is law for the country, and there is a court of public opinion which is played on social media.”
“It is procedurally correct that the police as an institution has set up a high powered investigative committee chaired by DIG to ascertain if Abba Kyari is culpable or not,” said Wakili.
When asked about whether he thinks the committee would be fair in its work, he answered “People who fear God are still in abundance everywhere.”
“If Abba Kyari is not found culpable the institution will do justice to him. But if he is found culpable there are procedures to deal with him,” Wakili emphasized.
The NPF recently suspended Kyari over his indictment by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Hashpuppi’s case.
The IGP disclosed the suspension in a statement with Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.4/26, signed by Frank Mba on Sunday.
Mba said the suspension of Mr Kyari is in line with the interdisciplinary processes of the force.
“The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Kyari in statements posted on his verified Facebook page, denied any wrongdoing.
The super cop admitted knowing Hushpuppi but said he never demanded money from him. He also said he only referred Hushpuppi to a tailor whom the fraudster paid N300,000.
