Abba Kyari: Nigeria’s Forgotten Super Crime Fighter by Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma
In a country plagued by rising insecurity, few names once commanded the respect and admiration accorded to Deputy Commissioner of Police (ACP), Abba Kyari. Celebrated for his daring exploits against kidnappers, bandits, drug traffickers, and money launderers, Kyari stood out as a rare symbol of courage and tactical brilliance in Nigeria’s troubled security architecture.
Yet today, he sits behind bars — incarcerated without bail, without trial — as the nation watches in silence. The same man who risked his life repeatedly in service to his country has been all but abandoned by the very system he served.
A Record of Service and Sacrifice
Kyari rose to national prominence as the head of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), where he personally led several high-stakes operations. From dismantling kidnapping syndicates in the South to confronting deadly bandits in the North, his work brought relief to countless communities and earned him accolades, both locally and internationally.
His takedown of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, was a turning point in Nigeria’s war against organized crime. In numerous operations like arrest of Godogodo, Vampire. UMAR Abdulmalik, Wadume, Halti, Yellow, Ade Lawyer, Boko Haram terrorist coodinating Suicide bombings in Borno State/North east, Boko Haram terrorist that Bombed Abuja in 2015 etc etc Kyari braved gunfire, insurgent ambushes, and complex criminal networks to bring justice to victims — often placing himself directly in harm’s way.
He was not a man content to delegate from a distance. Kyari was known to be on the frontline, donning tactical gear, coordinating intelligence in real-time, and personally confronting some of the most dangerous criminals in West Africa.
The Sudden Fall — And the Legal Limbo
Despite his glowing record, Abba Kyari’s name was later dragged into alleged controversy when he was accused of links to alleged involvement with international fraud suspects and later a Malicious Set Up by some individuals envious of his rising profle and Unparalleled Service records. The development shocked many Nigerians, who were divided between disappointment and disbelief.
However, what followed has raised deeper concerns. Kyari has remained in detention for over 3 years without bail, a situation many legal experts and human rights advocates consider a blatant violation of his fundamental rights. Even individuals accused of graver crimes in the country have been granted bail pending trials. In Kyari’s case, the process seems to have been frozen indefinitely — a move that hints at political undertones and systemic failures within the justice system.
Where Are the Northern Political Elites?
Even more troubling is the silence from the North — a region Kyari served with relentless dedication. His operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Lagos, Imo, Niger, Kogi, Benue, Rivers, Ogun, Kwara and Kaduna were instrumental in reducing violence and reclaiming territory for the state.
Yet, not a single prominent political figure from the region has spoken out in his defense. There are no motions in the National Assembly. No press briefings. No legal support. Nothing.
The abandonment is glaring, especially when compared to other cases that drew widespread public sympathy. When social media activist VeryDarkMan was arrested recently, digital platforms exploded in protest. Influencers, celebrities, and online communities called for his release. Within days, he was out.
Meanwhile, Kyari — who spent nearly two decades fighting crime on behalf of Nigeria — remains in detention with no similar public outcry, no hashtags, and no trending campaigns.
Double Standards and a Dangerous Precedent
While no one should be above the law, justice must be seen to be fair, transparent, and consistent. Kyari is entitled to a fair trial, not indefinite incarceration, based on allegations. If he is guilty, the law should take its course. But denying him the right to bail, while others with lesser credentials walk free, paints a troubling picture of selective justice.
It also sends a chilling message to men and women in uniform: that no matter how much you sacrifice, you are on your own when the tide turns.
The Need for National Reflection
Abba Kyari’s situation demands more than legal scrutiny. It calls for a national conversation about how we treat our public servants — especially those who go above and beyond in securing lives and property. It raises the question: Do we protect our heroes only when they are useful and discard them when they face trouble?
As insecurity continues to threaten the stability of Nigeria, we must not forget those who once stood in the gap. Justice must be blind, but not cold-hearted.
Kyari may be in a cell today, but the real indictment is against a nation that forgets its heroes too quickly.
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