Malami: FG working with US on possible extradition of DCP Abba Kyari

08 Feb Malami: FG working with US on possible extradition of DCP Abba Kyari

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami says the federal government is working with the US on the possible extradition of Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP).

In August 2021, Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, received the report of a panel set up to probe the bribery allegation against Kyari.

Days later, Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, said the panel report on Kyari had been submitted to Malami.

Speaking on the report on Monday, the attorney-general, in an interview on Channels Television, said the panel has established “reasonable ground for suspicion” which could lead Kyari’s extradition.

“There are a lot of issues that are ongoing, inclusive of the possibility of consideration for extradition and associated things. That is where the collaboration element of it comes into play in respect of all the two cases,” he said.

Asked if there is a possibility of extradition, the minister said: “there could be a need or perhaps the possibility of making such request and they are looking into it.”

Also asked if the extradition request has been made, Malami said discussions on the matter are ongoing.

“As far as I’m concerned, the parties are discussing, the parties are collaborating and there is an exchange of correspondence from the perspective of investigation, from the perspective of extradition, and associated things,” he said.

“You can’t find someone guilty but perhaps the reasonable ground for suspicion can be established, which would translate to prosecution.

“That is what we are talking of — reasonable grounds for suspicion. Reasonable grounds for suspicion has been established; that will eventually translate to the possibility of prosecution and eventually conviction if indeed at the end of the day, one is adjudged guilty by the court of law.

“The position now is that there is prima facie reasonable ground for suspicion that has been considered from the perspective of prosecution, and for extradition if the need for so doing arises. That is what is unfolding in terms of international collaboration.”

On Nnamdi Kanu who is being prosecuted at the Federal High Court in over terrorism charges, Malami said the law will run its course.

“In terms of prosecution, you cannot rule out any possibility. The law of the land must take its natural course.

“In our laws, there are a lot of possibilities, but as it is now, the law is taking its natural course,” Mr Malami said.

There has been a clamour from notable groups in the South-east for Mr Kanu’s release.

Some of them have visited President Muhammadu Buhari over the matter. But Buhari would later respond in an interview that Mr Kanu should defend himself in court.

Also speaking on detained Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, Mr Malami said the Yoruba nation secessionist might be subjected to Nigeria’s criminal justice system upon conclusion of his incarceration by the government of the Republic of Benin.

“It is a matter being prosecuted at a foreign country, and within the context of that prosecution, one thing that is apparent is that he (Igboho) has been taken into custody on account of breaching laws applicable in a foreign nation. And with that in mind, he is being prosecuted,” Mr Malami explained.

“No political solution in terms of what he is standing trial for in a foreign country, may be those political considerations may be brought to bear after conclusion of his trial at the foreign nation,” Mr Malami said.