The presiding judge over the extradition suit of former deputy police commissioner, Abba Kyari, Justice Inyang Ekwo, has adjourned the case until August 29th 2022. The judge decided after listening to arguments from the defense and prosecution counsels.
Quick catchup
- The US government had requested for the extradition of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, following his links with Instagram celebrity Abass Ramon aka Hushpuppi. A joint effort of the FBI and other international security agencies arrested Hushpuppi over a $1.1million wire fraud on 28th July 2021.
- The FBI led investigation revealed business ties between Hushpuppi and Abba Kyari, which led to the latter’s suspension from the Nigeria Police Force.
- The AGF office, which handles extradition, repatriation and transfer of suspects or wanted persons, granted the United States’ request to extradite Abba Kyari.
Arguments by both lawyers
- Abba Kyari’s lawyer, Nureni Jimoh (SAN), presented a year-old letter to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), which serves as proof of request to open channels of communication with alleged fraudster Hushpuppi.
- The lawyer argued that this was an attempt by Abba Kyari and his team to lure Hushpuppi to Nigeria in order to arrest him.
- He further pleaded with the court to strike out the extradition request as an offence such as they do not list wire fraud under the Extradition Act.
- The AGF’s lawyer, Mr. Pius Akuta, in his argument stated that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had fulfilled all the requirements for the extradition process.
- He pleaded with the court to allow the office of the AGF to proceed with the extradition process.
- Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his decision, adjourned the case to August 29th.