Police Should Begin Disciplinary Action Against Celebrated Policeman, Kyari Over Fraud Allegations — Falana SAN

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) says the United States of America cannot extradite Nigeria’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari from the country without due process.

He, however, added that the police authorities in Nigeria should initiate urgent disciplinary action against the policeman.

A US District Court of California had issued a warrant of arrest for Kyari over his role in a fraud committed by notorious internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

Reacting to that, Falana (SAN) said the US and Nigeria have an extradition treaty that covers the offences allegedly committed by the police boss.

He added that the US government will have to request for Kyari’s extradition in accordance with the terms of the treaty.

The senior lawyer also urged the the police authorities to initiate urgent disciplinary action against the officer in the interim.

He said, “The United States and Nigeria have an extradition treaty which covers the offences allegedly committed by CP Abba Kyari. If the police officer insists on his innocence, he may want to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the District Court in the United States.

“Otherwise, the United States Government will have to request for his extradition in accordance with the terms of the Treaty. Once the request is received by the Federal Government, the Attorney-General/Minister of Justice will commence extradition proceedings in the Federal High Court.

“Alternatively, the office of the Attorney-General may file charges against the police officer since the offences were committed in Nigeria. In the interim, the police authorities are under a legal obligation to initiate urgent disciplinary action against the officer.

“When i suggested to the Federal Government to request for the extradition of Sunday Adeyemo (a.k.a Igboho), I was simply saying the authorities of both Nigeria and Benin Republic should operate under international law. I am also asking Nigeria and the United States to handle Abba Kyari’s case under international law.”