The United States Department of Justice has refused to comment on the planned extradition of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.
They, however, reiterated that Kyari is facing charges filed in 2021 which led to his indictment, adding that he would be offered legal representation in the US.
In an email to an inquiry sent by our reporter, Thom Mrozek, the Director of media relations of the United States Attorney’s Office said, “ We will not have any comment about a pending extradition request for any defendant.
“About Mr Kyari, he already faces charges that we filed last year in Los Angeles after a federal grand jury issued an indictment.
“I can tell you that all criminal defendants in the United States are entitled to legal representation.”
Recall that Checkout Magazine had reported that Kyari was suspended in July 2021 by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for alleged involvement in a $1.1 million Internet fraud.
The fraud was allegedly perpetrated by Hushpuppi and four others; Abdulrahman Juma (Abdul); Vincent Chibuzo (Kelly); Rukayat Fashola (Morayo); and Bolatito Agbabiaka (Bolamide).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation had accused Hushpuppi of paying $20,600 to two bank accounts allegedly provided by Kyari on January 20, 2020.
FBI Special Agent, Andrew Innocenti, said he obtained voice calls and WhatsApp conversations between Kyari and Hushpuppi, adding that Hushpuppi also paid the police officer N8m or $20,600 for the arrest and detention of a “co-conspirator,” Chibuzo Vincent.
The US court had ordered the FBI to arrest Kyari.
