FG approves US request for Abba Kyari’s extradition

Thw underfire police officer will finally face justice for his crimes in the US.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the extradition of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari by the United States of America.

Sometime last year, the US had requested that the embattled Police Officer be extradited over alleged wire fraud involving Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi).

Kyari, Hushpuppi and four others were said to be involved in defrauding a Qatari businessman of $1.1 million.

After Hushpuppi’s arrest by the FBI however, investigations showed that the super cop received a sum of $20,600 (N8m) from Hushpuppi, who contracted his services to detain one of his conspirators.

A request was sent, almost a year ago by the US to the Federal Government of Nigeria to extradite Abba Kyari so he could stand trial for the accusations levelled against him.

This request has now been granted by the government of Nigeria.

According to the Punch, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has approved his extradition.

This was made known in an application filed before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the charges leveled against Abba Kyari by the US 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.”

If found guilty, Kyari could be facing more than 20 years imprisonment under the law of the United States of America.