Updated: Why FG’s request to extradite Abba Kyari to U.S. failed

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, described the request by the Federal Government to extradite the suspended DCP Abba Kyari to the United States as “an abuse of court process,” on the grounds that the embattled ex-cop was already standing a criminal trial before another court in Nigeria.

Justice Inyang Ekwo said this while delivering the judgment refusing to grant the extradition application filed for permission to extradite the suspended DCP Abba Kyari to the United States (US).

The Judge described the extradition request as “an abuse of court process,” on the grounds that Kyari was already standing a criminal trial before another court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had filed the extradition suit, praying the court to grant the plea for Kyari to face a criminal charge levelled against him by the U.S. government.

The U.S. authorities had applied to the Nigerian government for Kyari’s extradition in relation to his alleged link with suspected international fraudster, Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi.

The suspended DCP is also facing a criminal trial on allegations of drug deal filed against him and others by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central District of California, Los Angeles, had recently confirmed that Hushpuppi would be sentenced on Sept. 21.

(NAN)