ACP. Abba Kyari

In February 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) formally indicted Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari as a co-conspirator in an international fraud scheme orchestrated by Ramon Abbas, known as 'Hushpuppi.' The indictment alleged that Kyari, who headed the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, received payments to arrest and detain a rival fraudster at Abbas's request. This marked the first time a serving senior Nigerian police officer faced criminal charges in a United States federal court for cybercrime-related offenses.

Kyari had built a reputation as Nigeria's most celebrated police officer, earning national recognition for high-profile arrests of kidnappers and armed robbers. His Intelligence Response Team was credited with solving numerous cases that had captured public attention, making him a media favorite and earning him awards including the Presidential Medal. However, his close relationship with wealthy individuals, including suspected internet fraudsters, had drawn scrutiny from anti-corruption organizations. The FBI investigation revealed extensive communication between Kyari and Abbas, including evidence of financial transactions that contradicted standard police procedures.