New facts have emerged on how suspended ‘super cop’ and former Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), DCP Abba Kyari, as well as his deputy, ACP Sunday Ubua, allegedly received a combined ₦4.2billion into their separate bank accounts.
According to the drug enforcement agency, not less than ₦1.4 billion passed through Kyari’s account while he was the commander of the IRT. Kyari’s deputy, Ubua, also received far more than him as not less than ₦2.8 billion was traced to his eight bank accounts. The details are part of a report sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, by the NDLEA.
According to investigations, Ubua allegedly received a lump sum of about ₦2.8 billion on August 15, 2019. The NDLEA is now working on the assumption that the sums traced to Kyari and his deputy may be connected to the sale of some illicit substances including Tramadol worth ₦3 billion.
A source speaking to local media said: “You will recall that the NDLEA is investigating an allegation that Kyari and his team seized a large consignment of tramadol in a warehouse at Amuwo Odofin in Lagos. The consignment was worth about ₦3 billion.
“The IRT under Kyari’s command seized these drugs and they are believed to have sold the consignment to a cartel afterward. It was around the time of this seizure that Kyari’s deputy received a deposit of ₦2.664 billion in his bank account. Out of this money, he purchased FBN Insurance shares worth about ₦100 million”.
source
NDLEA Seeks AGF’s Approval to Confiscate Kyari’s Assets
Meanwhile, the NDLEA has written a letter to the AGF, Abubakar Malami, seeking his approval for the confiscation of properties and assets belonging to the once-revered ‘super cop’.
According to reports, the NDLEA’s request was mailed to the Justice Minister, following the arraignment of Kyari and his men for dealing in cocaine.
A source disclosed that the drug agency’s request is receiving the AGF’s attention, noting that Malami was in the process of approving the seizure of the embattled DCP’s assets and property to ensure he does not benefit from the proceeds of the crime.
Per reports, the ex-IRT commander’s assets that will be confiscated include cash and money in bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, hotels, residential and commercial buildings; personal effects such as wristwatches, jewelry, and other valuable possessions.
The AGF’s approval was required by the NDLEA to seize a suspect’s property pending conviction by the court.
A senior officer, touching on the issue said, “Under the NDLEA Act, the NDLEA cannot forfeit his assets unless based on the consent of the Attorney-General. The NDLEA wrote last week and the AGF is considering the request”.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development, saying, “It’s a normal procedure to seek approval for a no debit order on suspects’ bank accounts when suspicious transactions are noticed in such accounts”.
Kyari is facing eight counts of conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine, and other related offenses at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The other defendants in the charge are four members of the IRT, Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu. Two other suspects arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, were also listed as defendants.
Kyari, has also been indicted in the United States for alleged involvement in a $1.1million scam carried out by a notorious internet scammer, Ramon Abass, popularly known as Hushpuppi, and he was suspended by the police in July 2021.
Read also: Crimes Involving Officers Must Be Taken Serious- Peter Toobu
