Abba Kyari says he was a debt collector for Hushpuppi as he faces Suspension

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his connection with the popular internet fraudster, Hushpuppi.

Embattled police officer Abba Kyari denied collecting bribes from suspected fraudster Hushpuppi, stating that their transaction was only a loan recovery.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the highly hyped Nigerian officer was named among the beneficiaries of proceeds from Hushpuppi’s illegal dealings, a reason a U.S. court ordered his arrest and prosecution.

The stance of the IGP was announced by the police spokesperson, Frank Mba, on Sunday, in a statement with Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.4/26. His recommendation came two days after he ordered an internal review of the allegations against Mr. Kyari.

Quoting the IGP’s letter to the Police Service Commission, dated July 31, Mr. 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 favor of the officer,” the spokesperson said.

Mr. Kyari’s comment marked a stark breakaway from his initial defense following his indictment by the United States.

The police chief had initially claimed in a Facebook statement on July 29 that he had no ties to Hushpuppi, saying the con artist only sent him N300,000 to help him purchase native wears.

But following reports of how he collected N8 million from Hushpuppi, Mr. Kyari edited his Facebook post on Tuesday night and changed his story as he came under widespread public ridicule and police administrative action.

He said the N8 million reported by The Gazette, which was subsequently reported by other media outlets, was for him to collect as an outstanding debt owed to Hushpuppi, and not as a bribe for him to hold Chibuzo for the scamming of Qatari businesspeople to pull through as alleged by the FBI in court filings.

“Nobody demanded or collected any money from Abbas Hushpuppi. He can be interviewed Publicly in the Presence of world media by the people holding him to confirm this. He also called for another case in June 2020 and complained about a financial transaction with a second person to whom he said his friend sent 8million naira and pleaded for his friend’s money to be recovered.“

He sent transaction slips and other evidence to prove their case against the person, All these can be verified from the Hushpuppi since he is still in Custody. And it can be verified from the person who collected the 8million naira from Hushpuppis friend whom they complained about is alive and is in Nigeria.

Generally, Whatever investigation steps/Tactics that are being taken in most cases especially on the Parties in this type of case from January to June are not for public consumption. This is the true story, Mr. Kyari said.