| Udora Orizu writes that the arrest of former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, should be a wake-up call to federal lawmakers to be more thorough in their investigations before bestowing honours Following the arrest of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, members of the House of Representatives have been criticized by many Nigerians for not doing a proper background check before honouring him. The Federal Lawmakers had at the plenary on June 11, 2020 honoured Kyari, over his exceptional service in the fight against criminality across the country. The National Assembly as the legislative arm of government possesses powers to conduct investigations into the activities of public institutions as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The parliament is saddled with the powers to conduct investigations into any matter or thing. With this power, almost every legislative activity is investigative. The National Assembly conducts investigations into governance issues through its committees. They monitor the performance of ministries, departments and agencies for the benefit of citizens. Almost all presidential appointments are subject to approval by the lawmakers, who take some time to screen the appointees before approving or rejecting. Aside their various all-important functions, the parliament once-in-a-while honours citizens for the services they deliver to the nation. These awards, just like every other one is to show appreciation to the recipients for what they do, hence motivating them to do more. Like Kyari, the House, on September 18, 2019 also honoured the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, for the free air services offered by his domestic airline to the Federal Government for the evacuation of Nigerians under xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Again, on October 10, 2019, the House honoured recipients of the ‘Best Principal’ and ‘Best Teachers’ awards, Agnes Iyabo Elusakin and Pius Ikuseyidunmi, respectively, who were among the three teachers of Lagos State that won the 2019 President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award. Kyari, a ‘Super Cop’ turned drug trafficking suspect, ordeals began in July 2021 when a United States court documents indicated that Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, alleged that he bribed Kyari, the Deputy Commissioner of Police to arrest a co-fraudster named Vincent in Nigeria. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had indicted Kyari of conspiring with Hushpuppi, the self-confessed international fraudster, in a $1.1 million scam. The indictment prompted his suspension from the Nigeria Police while the accusations are still being investigated. As Nigerians were debating Kyari’s possible extradition, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dropped another bombshell against Kyari on Monday, February 14. The agency declared Kyari wanted “over his involvement in a 25kg cocaine deal.” NDLEA, accused him of being a member of a drug cartel that operates the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria illicit drug pipeline. Kyari was also accused of trying to recruit fellow officers into a drug plot. Officials say Kyari asked a colleague to help him siphon off part of a cocaine haul. According to them, he was caught on camera handing over $61,400 (£45,400) in cash. Hours after the declaration, the police announced his arrest and subsequent transfer to the NDLEA’s custody. He was arrested along with four other officers – Sunday Ubuah, Bawa James, Simon Agrigba and John Nuhu. The police added that one other officer – John Umoru – remained “at large”. Last week, the federal government commenced moves to extradite Kyari, to the United States of America to face fraud allegations. Few hours after the extradition process commenced, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which currently has Kyari in its custody following his arrest for alleged illicit drug dealing, also initiated a court process against him. By this development, Kyari, four of his colleagues in the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and two others are facing drug-related charges. The One-time Super Cop Before Kyari became enmeshed in controversies, he was once a well-celebrated police officer. He was known as the ‘super cop’ by many Nigerians and was washed in honours celebrating his effectiveness as a law enforcement officer. Kyari who investigated big criminal cases, received a presidential medal of courage from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 after his team rescued three kidnapped schoolgirls in Lagos. He was also honoured by the Lagos State Government, winning the top award for gallantry three years in a row between 2011 and 2013. The House Honour Adding to the list of the honours, the House of Representatives at the plenary on June 11, 2020 honoured Kyari, over his exceptional service in the fight against criminality across the country. The invitation and honour followed a motion moved by the member representing Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno state, Hon. Ahmad Jaha. Jaha’s motion had noted that DCP Kyari was among the very few outstanding young officers of the Nigerian Police as Officer Cadet. The Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, presiding over the commendation session extolled the police officer, describing him as an intelligent man. Gbajabiamila said, “We have with us an officer and a gentleman. We have with us in the chamber today a man that has proved himself to be worthy of the highest commendation; the man who has spent the latter years of his life, at least in the last 20 years, serving the people of Nigeria. Many of us may have heard of him; many of us may have seen him. But today, the House of Representatives, in its wisdom and having followed his career over the years, and witnessed on a daily and yearly basis how he put his life on the line for our great country, has deemed it worthy to commend and to honour him.” Various lawmakers also praised the now suspended DCP. In his commendation, Hon. Serguis Ogun said he has sacrificed himself for the nation and is celebrated for all he has done for the nation. Another lawmaker, Hon. Shehu Koko commended Kyari, adding that the House was honouring a dogged and courageous police officer. On his part, Chairman House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Bello Kumo commended the DCP and advised him to continue doing his job well. He said Kyari is a symbol to show that they are identifying Nigerians who are adding value to the nation. Hon. Benjamin Kalu while commending the DCP, thanked him for giving hope to do many Nigerians to take the bull by the horn. He said, ”I celebrate the women in your life, we celebrate the executive for taking the right step in appointing you. We will keep on celebrating you and reminding Nigerians that the police is your friend.” The House Chief Whip, Hon. Tahir Monguno described Kyari as a policeman per excellence and a good ambassador of the North-east. He said he has brought a lot of achievement to the police service and the House will always remain thankful for his services. In his acceptance speech, DCP Kyari thanked the Speaker and the House members for finding him worthy of the award. He said gestures like this reminds them that their services are not going unnoticed and will go a long way in boosting the morals of police officers. ”There’s no greater award than this because it is coming from the representatives of the people. I dedicate this award to those who paid the ultimate price and I give sincere gratitude to God, my boss the Inspector General of Police, all members of the Nigerian police and my family,” Kyari added House Reacts to FBI Allegations Against Kyari A month after he was indicted by the FBI in connection to a over a one million dollar scam, the House of Representatives reacting said the former Commander of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, Kyari, will remain its honouree until he is found guilty of the allegations. The House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the DCP was still innocent until proven guilty. Kalu said, “The position of our law is that you are innocent until you are proved guilty. It is not the only award that he has. We cannot begin to strip him of his award; he is a suspect at the moment. Lawmakers are not lawbreakers. The constitution says you are innocent until proved guilty. But if at the end of the day, he is convicted, then the House would have a reason to review its position. But at the moment, he is still under investigation.” Will the Lawmakers Withdraw Kyari’s Award? From being a ‘Super Cop’ to suspension from the police, and then arrest for alleged drug links, Kyari’s ordeal is turning out to be a story of grace to grass. As more reports continue to spring up regarding his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, many Nigerians are of the view that members of the House of Representatives, in preserving the integrity of the parliament should not wait for a conviction before withdrawing the award they gave to the embattled police officer. Giving recognition to deserving citizens is a laudable initiative and no one should blame the lawmakers for that. However, whether they decide to withdraw the award or not, Kyari’s case should alert the House of Representatives to this embarassing indiscretion of choice and prompt it to be more circumspect and thorough in their investigation before bestowing similar honours on anyone or approving any appointment. |
