The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a conditional presidential pardon to embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, citing national security interests and the ongoing war against criminal elements across the country.
The group made the call in Abuja during a world press conference organized by the IHRC’s African diplomatic headquarters. The head of the Diplomatic Mission, Dr. Duru Hezekiah, said the call followed thorough monitoring and an independent investigation into Kyari’s conduct and detention status.
Kyari, a decorated police officer once regarded as a crime-fighting asset, has been in detention since his alleged involvement in drug-related and cybercrime offenses surfaced. However, the IHRC believes the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued incarceration deserve a second look in view of what it described as his “critical role” in tackling organized crime in Nigeria.
Dr. Duru said, “We are calling on Mr. President, the National Council of State, and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to consider granting a conditional pardon to DCP Abba Kyari, having served this nation meritoriously and with distinction.”
The commission acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Kyari but stressed that a conditional pardon could be structured to balance justice and national interest.
According to Dr. Duru, “No doubt, Nigeria is in a state of emergency regarding security. It is on this basis that the IHRC is pleading for a strategic reconsideration of Kyari’s value as a trained officer with years of experience in counter-terrorism, kidnapping, and organized crime.”
The commission further urged that, if granted clemency, Kyari should be subjected to a reintegration process, monitoring, and possible reassignment to special security tasks under supervision.
