The National Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Kunle Edun Esq, has said that former Commander of the Police Force Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, was not the only criminal in the Police Force.
Edun, said this Thursday, while reacting to the Federal Government’s approval of Kyari’s extradition to the US.
TheFact Nigeria had earlier today, reported on Malami’s disclosure of the Federal Government (FG)’s approval to have Kyari extradited to the United States, to answer questions relating to his involvement in alleged fraud perpetrated by popular internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas a.k.a. Hushpuppi.
Edun, while affirming that the FG did the right thing, and said that the move lets the world know that “Nigeria is no longer a haven for international criminals”, however added that “the police force seems to be a hiding place for bad elements”.
“Whether, the Federal Government is sincere about it (the extradition) is another issue. A shame was brought unto Nigeria by a purportedly celebrated cop. It’s a huge disgrace. Abba Kyari is not the only criminal in the police force. The police force seems to be a hiding place for bad elements to perpetrate their evil on innocent Nigerians”, he said.
He maintained that corruption was still high in the police and that violation of human rights now seems to be the norm. “We thought that after the #EndSARS campaign the police will reform itself but it has not bothered.”
Edun further noted that there were many Abba Kyaris still in the police force, still killing innocent Nigerians and stealing their properties. He also said it was surprising that the former top cop was allegedly caught doing drug deals while said to be on suspension from duties.
“The top echelon of the police needs to tell Nigerians how it happened and why impunity still reigns supreme in the police force”, he said.
The NBA official, speaking on the role of the judiciary, said it is the last hope of the common man and thus needs to be on the side of the people, adding that fundamental rights enforcement proceedings in the nation’s courts were now embroiled with unnecessary technicalities and delays contrary to the expectations of the letters and spirits of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
He warned that everything must be done to prevent another #EndSARS from happening, as “Nigeria may not survive it if it happens.”
