The rise and fall of Olorunwa Ramon Abbas commonly known as Hushpuppi is no longer news. If Hushpuppi was popular in 2020, he is even more popular now.
Earlier this year, Hushpuppi pleaded guilty to the charges against him in exchange for a deal with the US government. Since the quid pro quo, quite a few individuals have now been indicted in the case.
Another notable name has been connected to the charges against Hushpuppi and faces possible extradition, this time an improbable pick – Deputy Commissioner of Police; Abba Kyari.
Abba Kyari is one of Nigeria’s most popular Police Officers, if not the most.
His fame arises from several arrests of high profile and dreaded criminals by him and his team – The Police Intelligence Response Team.
His popularity is one that grows continuously because unlike most force men, Abba Kyari dabbles into the social meld intermittently.
Only a month back, he was spotted in Oba, Anambra State with Obi “Cubana” Iyiegbu and other celebrities during the sensational burial ceremony of Mrs. Ezinne Iyiegbu.
Abba Kyari stands accused of using his power and office to support a global fraud ring. He has currently been declared WANTED in the United States on charges bordering on wire fraud and money laundering. With the warrant for his arrest, there has been increased calls for the extradition of the super cop to the US to answer to the charges against him. There has been a lot of uproar as to whether or not Kyari can be extradited to the US.
LEGALLY SPEAKING, Abba Kyari can definitely be extradited to the US.
Nigeria is bound by treaty to cooperate in extradition of criminals not just with the US but also with several nations. However, Nigeria is a sovereign state and thus extradition though possible, is not automatic.
The provisions of the Extradition Treaty with the United States, signed on Dec. 22 1931, (this treaty did not come into force until June 24, 1935), the Extradition Act of 1966, (Extradition Modification) Order, 2014, Extradition Act (Proceedings) Rules, 2015 and other International Protocols must be adhered to with strict adherence.
By the provision of Section 6 of the Extradition Act, “a request for the surrender of a fugitive criminal of any country shall be made in writing to the Attorney-General by a diplomatic representative or consular officer of that country and shall be accompanied by a duly authenticated warrant of arrest or certificate of conviction issued in that country. Thereafter, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation will conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the said allegations.” It is upon the conclusion of same, if there is any prima facie case against the suspect, extradition processes can be commenced against him in a Court of competent jurisdiction within the Nigerian and obtain an Order of Court in pursuant to same before he can be extradited to the U.S.
Everything said and done, regardless of your hope, stance, interest or emotions with regards Abba Kyari as a person or the current charges against him, the law and fact remains that; the U.S or any of its agents or privies cannot just waltz into the country and pick up Abba Kyari even if he sleeps under a bridge, to face whatever charges has been brought against him in the United States.
However, in the instance where the above stated provisions and procedures have been duly complied with, then Mr. Abba Kyari would be extradited to the U.S – I’m tempted to say plain and simple but then again this is Nigeria.
Doubtful but also too, if Abba Kyari decides to voluntarily turn himself in then there would be no need or point to the cumbersome extradition process.
While it’s still early to tell, we all await and with keen eyes too, what other intrigues will follow and how this will play out in the end.
