Following the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force, the IGP has noted that the suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
The IGP further stated that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference.
The IGP who reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations, disclosed that the SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter.
The Special Investigation Panel (SIP) is comprised of four (4) Senior Police Officers, and headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).