IHRC Seeks Presidential Pardon For Abba Kyari

The International Human Rights Commission office in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to extend a presidential pardon to the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in the interest of national security.

The IHRC’s appeal was contained in a statement issued by its Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Duru Hezekiah, and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja.
Hezekiah, in the statement, noted that the appeal had become necessary in light of the rising wave of insecurity across the country from terrorism and kidnapping to organized crime and armed banditry.

The commission also called for a national dialogue on the matter, in order to consolidate growing public and stakeholder support for a strategic and conditional presidential pardon for Kyari.

The commission, however, reaffirmed its respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against the suspended DCP.

While reaffirming its commitment to justice and the rule of law, the IHRC proposed that Nigeria could explore the option of conditional clemency, citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons and reprieves.