I didn’t clear Abba Kyari – Malami

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, yesterday dismissed reports that his office had absolved suspended DCP Abba Kyari of any wrongdoing in the $1.1m internet fraud. 

The report of the office of the AGF in a legal advice no: DPPA/LA/814/21, written on behalf of the AGF by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the ministry, Mohammed Abubakar, said the evidence contained in the case diary had no link between DCP Abba Kyari and fraudster, Ramon Abass, also known as Hushpuppi, in the $1.1m internet scam.

Malami had, in a recent TV interview, reported by Daily Trust, admitted there were prima facie evidence against Kyari, adding that extradition moves were ongoing in the matter.

The AGF, in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Umar Gwandu, said media reports about a contradiction in his stance on the matter showed a misunderstanding and misconception of the issue. 

He said the report was fact-checked and found to have been first written in September 2021 at the start of the Kyari saga and the Police Investigative Panel headed by the Late DIG, Joseph Egbunike, where the AGF recommended further probe.

“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice’s stance is that no conclusion has been reached in the direction of absence of evidence relating to the first report. 

“The issues were raised for further investigation with a view to cover the field in investigation with a view to arrive at an informed decision.”

Kyari is facing an eight-count charges bordering on drug trafficking before a Federal High Court in Abuja.