Nigeria police order internal probe after officer's FBI 'indictment'

By Olarewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - Nigerian police have ordered an internal probe following allegations that one of their officers benefitted from a million-dollar internet fraud.

"Sequel to the receipt of allegations and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against Abba Kyari, Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba has ordered an internal review of the allegations," a police statement said late Thursday.

Kyari is suspected to have benefitted from the proceeds of a $1.1 million internet fraud allegedly by Nigerian national Ramon Abbas Olarewaju, popularly known as Hushpuppi, who is under investigation by the FBI.

This week, the FBI notified Kyari's indictment, calling for his arrest and extradition to the US.

Olarewaju was recently extradited from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to the US to face trial on the allegations of money laundering.

Police reaffirmed their commitment to the "pursuit of justice" and "strengthening" of their professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners.

"Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly," the statement added.

Kyari, 46, is a highly-decorated officer and has led many robbery and kidnapping cases in Nigeria, along with occasional collaboration with police in neighboring West African nations.

He denied any wrongdoing in a Facebook post, saying those who are celebrating the indictment "will be disappointed once again." "Our hands are clean," he said.