*Abba Kyari Refutes; Says No Money was Received
*IGP Orders Probe into FBI’s Investigation against Kyari
United States prosecutors have revealed how the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, conspired with the famous cyber-fraud, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, to illegally detain Kelly Chibuzor Vincent, over a dispute on $1.1m fraud.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the DCP and his team were paid by Hushpuppi to arrest one of his fellow fraudster, Kelly Chibuzor Vincent, over a dispute on the $1.1m loot.
Also, the FBI established that Hushpuppi sent a car to pick the DCP on his arrival at the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Based on messages I reviewed, ABBAS appears to have first interacted with KYARI in September 2019, when KYARI traveled to the U.A.E. The conversation indicated that ABBAS sent a car and driver to drive KYARI during that trip. Soon thereafter, KYARI sent ABBAS a video slideshow which showed some personal photographs of KYARI, some of which appeared to have been taken in the U.A.E. Later in September, after KYARI sent ABBAS an article that discussed him arresting alleged kidnappers, ABBAS wrote, in part, to KYARI, “Am really happy to be ur boy,” and later, “I promise to be a good boy to u, sir.”
Also, establishing his connection to the fraud act, the FBI said Hushpuppi conspired with Abba Kyari to arrest his fellow fraudster Chibuzo, who had been victimising him and frustrating his fraudulent tactics with his victim.
“Juma (co-fraudster) and Abbas (Hushpuppi) had a falling out with Chibuzo after Chibuzo felt that he was being underpaid (or had not been paid) for work on the fake Wells Fargo website, and then contacted the Victim Businessperson directly.”
According to the statement, Chibuzo’s contributions to the fraudulent activities include creating the “power of attorney” document, devising a story to tell the Victim Businessperson, and facilitating the creation of the “telephone banking” number and fake Wells Fargo website.
In reaction to Chibuzo’s actions and plans to destroy the job, Hushpuppi vouched to “deal with him.” He also sent Chibuzo a threat:
“I dey always tell people to think well before they offend me and make them make sure they fit stand the consequences when the time comes. I won’t say more than that but very soon, very very soon, the wrath of my hands shall find you and when it does, it will damage you forever
“At this point, I no get discussion with you, u have committed a crime that won’t be forgiven, that is punishable and you shall receive die punishment in due time I swear with my life you will regret messing with me, you will even wish you died before my hands will touch you.” (sic)
He sent his contact number to Abba Kyari, to arrest him and ensure that he stays long in jail with a promise to bear the financial cost.
Abba Kyari confirmed Chibuzo’s identity and promised to make the arrest.
“On January 20, 2020, the DCP sent to Abbas biographical, identifying information for Chibuzo, along with a photograph of him. In a conversation immediately following, Abbas confirmed “that is him sir.” Kyari stated, “We have arrested the guy . . . He is in my Cell.”
After receiving the photograph of Chibuzo in the police custody, Hushpuppi requested that he received a “serious beating of his.” Kyari however inquired what he had done to him to deserve such beating.
In response to Kyari’s question about what Chibuzo had done to him, Hushpuppi sent KYARI an audio message:
“What he did is, I have one job (fraud a victim). The job want to pay me 500, umm, 75,000 dollars [i.e., $575,000]. He went to message the job behind me because I told him to help me make one document for me to give the job. Then he went—he has a—I gave him the details.
“Then he went to message the job behind my back and try to divert the money and in this process, he tell the job because of the documents he gave me that I gave the job, he tell the job,
“These documents they sent to you before. These people are fake. This money—is me who can help you to get it. Come to me le—bring this money you want to pay these people to me. I’m the only one who can help you,” and all these things to divert the job for himself.”
“Please sir I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.” KYARI responded, “Ok bro [¶] I understand [¶] I will.”
Abba Kyari Refutes; Says No Money Was Received
The DCP, has refuted his connection to the fraudulent act, saying his office never received any money.
Sharing this on his verified Facebook page, he said: “Abbas who we later came to know as Hushpuppi called our office about two years ago that somebody in Nigeria Seriously threatened to kill his family here in Nigeria and he sent the person’s phone number and pleaded we take action before the person attacks his family.
“We traced and arrested the suspect and after investigations, we discovered there wasn’t an actual threat to anyone’s life and they are long-time friends who have money issues between them hence we released the suspect on bail to go and he was not taken to any jail.”
IGP Orders Probe into FBI’s Investigation against Kyari
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has however reacted to the FBI’s investigation and ordered a probe into the case.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, titled “Alleged indictment of DCP Abba Kyari: Inspector-General of Police orders a review of the information.”
The statement reads: “Sequel to the receipt of allegation and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation against one of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector- General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered an internal review of the allegations.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the strengthening of its professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners. Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public, accordingly.”
