Following a request from the United States, the Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the process of extraditing Abba Kyari, the former chief of the IGP Intelligence Response Team.
Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi, an admitted online fraudster, was accused of receiving bribes from the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The accused police officer was indicted by a grand jury on April 29, 2021, with the permission of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
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Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, submitted a plea for Kyari’s extradition before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Malami, the court case was submitted in response to a request from the US Embassy’s Diplomatic Representative in Abuja.
“For the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in a superseding three-count indictment,” the ministry added.
In an affidavit filed in support of the extradition application, Malami stated that he is satisfied that the laws of the United States provide that, as long as Kyari has not had a reasonable opportunity to return to Nigeria, he will not be detained or tried for any crime committed prior to his surrender other than the extradition offense, which can be proven by the fact that his surrender occurred.
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He further stated that he is satisfied that the charges levelled against Kyari are not political nor is it trivial.
The AGF also expressed satisfaction that the request for Kyari’s extradition was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions but in good faith and the interest of justice
He added that Kyari, “if surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his liberty, because of his race, nationality or political opinions”.
The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it will not be unjust or oppressive, or be too severe a punishment, to surrender him.
Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari has been accused of the offence for which his surrender is sought.
He noted that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari in Nigeria for the same offence.
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According to court documents, the three count-charge marked: 2:21-cr-00203-RGK, was filed on April 29, 2021, before the US District Court for the Central District of California, USA.
The charge filed along with the extradition application 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.”
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Kyari is currently in the detention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over a crime related to drug trafficking.
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