The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) has called for the immediate discontinuation of the prosecution of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, describing his continued detention as a “grave injustice.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Comrade General and former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, the group said it was deeply concerned that Kyari remains in custody despite recent presidential pardons granted to convicted criminals — including some allegedly arrested by Kyari’s team.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) observes with deep concern the continued detention and prosecution of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari despite recent presidential pardons extended to convicted drug traffickers, fraudsters, kidnappers, and bandits—many of whom were arrested by his team in the line of duty,” the statement read.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had arraigned Kyari and six others in March 2022 on allegations of conspiring to tamper with and traffic 21.35 kilograms of cocaine seized from suspected drug traffickers.
Reference to Presidential Pardons
Last week, President Bola Tinubu granted presidential pardons to 175 persons, including late nationalist Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of murdering her husband.
The full list of beneficiaries, released by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the move followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The clemency reportedly covered individuals convicted of offences ranging from homicide and illegal mining to fraud.
Group Condemns ‘Selective Mercy’
MEN described the selective application of the presidential clemency as a “ridicule of the principle of fairness,” arguing that it undermined the moral and legal basis for continuing Kyari’s prosecution.
“The recent wave of presidential amnesties and pardons has effectively emptied the moral and legal basis for Kyari’s continued detention. His prosecution under such circumstances represents a double standard that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system,” MEN said.
The group warned that continuing the case could discourage law enforcement officers from taking bold actions against criminals.
“This is a clear case of institutional betrayal against a man who once risked his life in service to national security. Justice demands consistency, and equity demands that mercy must not be reserved for the guilty while punishment is sustained against the righteous,” it added.
MEN therefore urged President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw all charges against Kyari and secure his immediate release, insisting that anything short of this would be a travesty of justice.
Background
Kyari, a former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), gained nationwide recognition for leading multiple high-profile arrests, earning him the nickname “super cop.”
He was arrested on February 14, 2022, after the NDLEA declared him wanted over allegations of drug trafficking and conspiracy to tamper with seized cocaine. Kyari has since pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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