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FBI Indictment: 31 Northern Lawyers Set To Defend Abba Kyari

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Thursday, August 12, 2021

FBI Indictment: 31 Northern Lawyers Set To Defend Abba Kyari

No fewer than 31 lawyers from the northern part of the country have indicated interest in defending the embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, who was recently suspended in connection with a $1.1m scam involving an internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas also known as Hushpuppi.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Barrister Bappah Salisu, who spoke on behalf of the 31 legal practitioners from 19 Northern States.

According to the statement, the lawyers decided to offer the free legal service to Abba Kyari following a call by the Coalition of Northern Groups which demanded that the fundamental human right of the embattled police boss must be protected.

The Northern group had made the call following an indictment by a court in the United States of America after the discovery of Abba Kyari’s tie with Hushpuppi.

Speaking on the move by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to extradite Kyari to the United States, the group of lawyers said the FBI did not follow due procedure, stressing that they breached international protocol.

“We would raise questions involving the possibility of breaches to Kyari’s fundamental rights entrenched in Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right which essentially state that every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security of his person and every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard.

“This comprises: the right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force.

“The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court or tribunal; the right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; the right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal”, the group added.

Abba Kyari Lied, Collected N8 Million From Hushpuppi To Jail Chibuzo Until He Almost Died In Custody - FBI

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Contrary to claims that he did not receive money from Ramon Abass known as Hushpuppi, Nigeria’s deputy police commissioner Abba Kyari received N8 million to arrest and jail Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, the internet fraudster’s co-conspirator, intercepted communication obtained by FBI indicated.

Mr Kyari had denied any wrongdoing after a court document exposed how Mr Abbas bribed him to arrest Mr Chibuzo following a dispute over the proceeds of crime.

In a statement on Facebook, the senior police officer narrated that Mr Abbas called him two years ago to complain about a person threatening to kill his family.

He said the suspect was released after discovering there was no threat to anyone’s life, “and they are longtime friends who have money issues between them.”

“Nobody demanded a kobo from Abbas Hushpuppi,” Mr Kyari asserted in his Facebook post, claiming that he later introduced Mr Abbas to his tailor and then facilitated purchase of cloths for him for just N300,000.

But details of their conversations indicated that Mr Kyari received money to have Mr Chibuzo detained for five weeks upon the instruction by Mr Abbas.

In 2019, Messrs Abass, Chibuzor and others conspired to take advantage of a Qatari businessperson’s interest in securing a loan meant for a project in Qatar. In an attempt to defraud the unsuspecting businessperson, the conspirators persuaded the Qatari to pay them under the guise of taxes, among others to fast-track the said loan.

Upon receiving the money, Mr Chibuzor with others conspired to create a fake Wells Fargo bank website, a screenshot of which Mr Abass would send to the victim, to convince him that funds had been deposited into his/her account, in order to fraudulently induce the victim businessperson to make a further payment.

On January 9 and 10, 2020, Mr Chibuzor informed the socialite that he was displeased with the payment he received from the proceeds of their crime and thereafter contacted the businessperson to tell him Mr Abass was “fake”.

Subsequently, Mr Abass vowed to set Mr Chibuzo up and contacted Mr Kyari to have his fellow conspirator arrested in Nigeria, for contacting their victim to inform him of their ploy.

On January 15, the same year, Mr Abass sent an audio recording to the senior police officer on WhatsApp reminding him to get Mr Chibuzo arrested and detained. A conversation of the socialite’s threats to Mr Chibuzo is also contained in the document.

The senior police officer, in another conversation, assured that he would have Mr Chibuzo arrested, to which Mr Abass said “I will take care of the team (police officers) also after they pick him up.”

On January 20, Mr Kyari sent a picture of Mr Chibuzo, confirming to Mr Abass that his gang member had been arrested and was currently in the cell. “I want him to go through a serious beating of his life,” Mr Abass was quoted to have said in their conversation.

According to the document, Mr Abass informed Mr Kyari that Mr Chibuzo tried to steal his deal, but the senior officer “did not request other information or evidence relating to Chibuzo’s role in the scheme, ask questions about the nature of the transaction, or ask about why Chibuzo told the Victim Businessperson that ABBAS was ‘fake’.”

“Please sir I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time,” Mr Abass said. In response, Mr Kyari vowed to “do something about it” as well as send officers’ account details to Mr Abass.

On February 20, 2020, Mr Kyari contacted Mr Abass informing him that Mr Chibuzo who was detained in a cell with other suspects developed rash and fever and had just returned from the hospital. In response, Mr Abass informed the police officer that the detainee should not be released until February 25.

He also informed the senior police officer that Mr Chibuzo’s girlfriend tried to raise N1 million to secure his release. But Mr Kyari responded that “They were thinking it’s a normal arrest that is why they think money can remove him . . . No money can remove him here Hahahaha.”

The document also exposed how Mr Kyari acceded to Mr Abass’ request that Mr Chibuzor’s phone and gadgets should not be returned to him.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has recommended the immediate suspension of Mr Kyari, from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation touching on him. The Police Service Commission has also confirmed Mr Kyari’s suspension from the Force on Sunday.

The police authorities say his suspension is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force and was without prejudice to his fair hearing.

- Gazette

I Was Adviced To Maintain Low Profile After FBI Arrested Hushpuppy - Mompha

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Monday, August 02, 2021

Popular Nigerian socialite and Bureau De Change operator, Ismail Mustapha alias Mompha said he was contacted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after Hushpuppi was arrested.

Mompha stated this on Saturday night after appearing on Daddy Freeze’s Instagram LIVE.

He said he was told by EFCC to delete his social media page and maintain a low profile after the incident.

Ramon Abbass aka Hushpuppi was arrested by the FBI in Dubai and is facing criminal charges in the United States of conspiracy to launder money obtained through fraud.

However, Mompha said Hushpuppi’s downfall came as a result of his stubbornness and high-handedness.

”When you are big, you are big. I was with FBI agents one-on-one on October 19, 2020. They questioned me but couldn’t find any incriminating evidence.

”Remember that I was the one that brought Hushpuppi from Malaysia, since his arrest, people on social media have said that I will be arrested next. Some even go as far as tagging EFCC and FBI”.

”On the day Hush was arrested, I received a lot of calls and tags from different people. EFCC had to call me directly to close down my social media and maintain a low profile”.

”My case with EFCC was because someone felt the need to punish a big boy like me, all because of BDC’. Nigerians on social media love to gossip and bad luck for rich people.

”And it’s not my fault that I come from a rich home, I have even hustled all my life,” Mompha said.

FBI Cannot Come To Nigeria To Arrest Abba Kyari Just Like That - Chief Mike Ozekhome

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Monday, August 02, 2021

A prominent lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has said the United States must make a formal request for the extradition of Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari.

Kyari was indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the fraud case against Ramon Abbas aka Hushpuppi in the US.

The indictment was followed by an order for his arrest. This was issued to the FBI by the United States Attorney’s Office at the Central District of California.

Reacting, Ozekhome who spoke to Arise News on Monday stated that the FBI can’t just come to Nigeria to arrest Kyari without going through an extradition process.

According to him, “When America demanded Abba Kyari, I heard people say FBI can now arrest Abba Kyari. No, you cannot do that. Nigeria is a sovereign country for crying out loud, no matter how down in the doldrums we have become.

“FBI cannot simply come here and pick up Abba Kyari. You must go through the extradition process as established in the Extradition Act of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004. You have to look at Sections 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the extradition act.”

Speaking further, Ozekhome pointed out that this is not the first time Nigeria will be having a case of extradition.

“In 1963, Chief Anthony Enahoro was being looked for by the Federal Government of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa. They accused him alongside Obafemi Awolowo and others of committing a treasonable felony. Enahoro found his way to London through Ghana. He ran away.

“So, the Labour Party with their new head, Harold Wilson made it a big deal and using the media very heavily to clamour that Enahoro be not extradited to Nigeria.

“But the government of Harold Mcmillan who was the Minister was caught in between and in betwixt as to the respect for human rights of Anthony Enahoro and not to hurt Nigeria as a political deal. But at the end of the day, Enahoro was extradited to Nigeria and he was tried and jailed for 15 years. It was the Gowon regime that released him and Awolowo and put them in key positions in government so as to drive the country’s progress. So, extradition, therefore, did not start today.

“Going through extradition, the Attorney General of the country has a crucial role to play under the Extradition Act, he and a magistrate, or under Section 251 of the Constitution, a judge of a federal high court.

“The country requesting for extradition, like the US, must make a formal request through its consular or representative in Nigeria, that we want this man in our country.”

The lawyer lamented that the issues involving Kyari, Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Igboho, and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu are all happening at the same time.

Kyari’s Alleged Involvement In Fraud Poses Great Risk To Nigeria’s Image – CHURAC

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Sunday, August 01, 2021

President of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade, CHURAC, E, Alaowei on Sunday said DCP Abba Kyari’s alleged involvement in international fraud poses a big threat to Nigeria’s international image.

The legal practitioner said, “The way the Government of Nigeria handles the matter will determine how our country will be valued amongst the committee of nations"

According to him, “The police authorities should leave no stone unturned in investigating the matter and corporate with the FBI if he is found culpable.

“The Federal Government has promised in many fora to partner with the international community to fight cybercrime and money laundering.

“Now is the time to prove the Government’s commitments in fighting corruption. Well, we await the corresponding responses from the Government.

Nothing Must Happen To Abba Kyari - Arewa Youths Warn FBI

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Sunday, August 01, 2021

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, on Sunday, sounded a note of warning that “nothing must happen to DCP Abba Kyari”.

AYCF issued the warning while berating the United States, US, court that ordered the arrest of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.

AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima also dismissed what it described as “the attempted intimidation of a police officer right inside his independent fatherland”.

In a media release he signed, Shettima rejected the purported plan to arrest DCP Kyari, describing the move by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, as “totally unacceptable, a slap on the sensibility of our compatriots and a ridicule on one of our finest crack detectives.”

The group said it would keep a tap on the happenings in the matter, stressing that there was no justification for “singling out one of Nigeria’s most effective and efficient police officers for castigation”.

He urged “all Nigerians who are truly patriotic to stand behind a man who has made an unrivalled mark on the sands of time by diligently serving his fatherland.”

Shettima called on relevant stakeholders in the country, especially civil society organizations to “rally round this officer who risked his life in multiple operations across Nigeria, a fact proved many times through BBC news coverage of such operations.

“While we are conscious of our sovereignty as a nation, we demand justice for a man with unrivalled records of detective capabilities in the recent history of Nigeria,” the AYCF stressed.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, had linked Kyari to international fraudster, Abass Ramon popularly known as Hushpuppi.

Hushpuppi is alleged to have bribed Kyari to jail an errant gang member during a fraud deal with millions of dollars.

Hushpuppi: How FBI Nab 3 Nigerians Who Helped Husppupi Steal $1.1m

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Saturday, July 31, 2021

US Authorities alleged that Hushpuppi used  part of the $1.1m to buy $230,000 wrist watch.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) says they have arrested three Nigerians in America who helped Raymond ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas steal over $1.1m through wire fraud operation.

FBI arrested the three associates on 22 July on a case  where Hushpuppi is alleged to have used defrauded a businessman.

The three Nigerians arrested in America are:
Yusuf Adekinka Anifowoshe, a.k.a. “AJ,” 26, of Brooklyn, New York; 
Rukayat Motunraya Fashola, a.k.a. “Morayo,” 28, of Valley Stream, New York and 
Bolatito Tawakalitu Agbabiaka, a.k.a. “Bolamide,” 34, of Linden, New Jersey.

The three will appear at  Los Angeles court in August. 20 years imprisonments awaits them if they are guilty.

The businessman whose name is not mentioned  was arranging money to build schools for children in - Qatar.

The US lawmakers block the helicopter deal with Nigeria in a statement released by DoJ on 28 July, they say Hushpuppi confessed to the crime of money laundering and other offences which relate to Business Email Compromise (BEC) Schemes.

Also, they alleged Hushpuppi bribed a top police boss in Nigeria, Abba Kyari to arrest his fellow associate 40 years old Kelly Chibuzo Vincent.

Kyari has since denied bring part of the matter.

The DoJ document revealed that this was after Vincent tried to expose the operation and inform the alleged victim what they did to him.

Out of the over $1.1m, DoJ says Hushpuppi used $230,000 of the money to buy one Richard Mille RM11-03 wristwatch that he used to pose on his Instagram page.

US authorities also alleged that the 37 year old Huspuppi used some of the money to buy citizenship in St. Christopher and Nevis island country. He also arranged fake marriage certificate and bribed the government official in St. Kitts.

Raymond Abbas pleaded guilty.

Hushpuppi: How FBI arrest 3 Nigerians who helped Husppupi steal $1.1m

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Thursday, July 29, 2021

US Authorities alleged that Hushpuppi used part of the $1.1m to buy $230,000 wrist watch.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) says they have arrested three Nigerians in America who helped Raymond ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas steal over $1.1m through wire fraud operation.

FBI arrested the three associates on 22 July on a case where Hushpuppi is alleged to have used defrauded a businessman.

The three Nigerians arrested in America are:

1. Yusuf Adekinka Anifowoshe, a.k.a. “AJ,” 26, of Brooklyn, New York;

2. Rukayat Motunraya Fashola, a.k.a. “Morayo,” 28, of Valley Stream, New York and

3. Bolatito Tawakalitu Agbabiaka, a.k.a. “Bolamide,” 34, of Linden, New Jersey.

The three will appear at Los Angeles court in August. 20 years imprisonments awaits them if they are guilty.

The businessman whose name is not mentioned was arranging money to build schools for children in - Qatar.

The US lawmakers block the helicopter deal with Nigeria in a statement released by DoJ on 28 July, they say Hushpuppi confessed to the crime of money laundering and other offences which relate to Business Email Compromise (BEC) Schemes.

Also, they alleged Hushpuppi bribed a top police boss in Nigeria, Abba Kyari to arrest his fellow associate 40 years old Kelly Chibuzo Vincent.

Kyari has since denied bring part of the matter.

The DoJ document revealed that this was after Vincent tried to expose the operation and inform the alleged victim what they did to him.

Out of the over $1.1m, DoJ says Hushpuppi used $230,000 of the money to buy one Richard Mille RM11-03 wristwatch that he used to pose on his Instagram page.

US authorities also alleged that the 37 year old Huspuppi used some of the money to buy citizenship in St. Christopher and Nevis island country. He also arranged fake marriage certificate and bribed the government official in St. Kitts.

Raymond Abbas pleaded guilty.

Labels : FBI