Abba Kyari and his red flags of vulgar exhibitionism, By Farooq Kperogi

Although there is no art to decipher the cunning of crooked cops, DCP Abba Kyari gave us many red flags to cause us to be suspicious of his policing, but many people ignored it. I, for one, have an abiding suspicion of people who are given to gratuitous self-congratulation and ostentation, who are aggressively self-promotional, and who perpetually have a need to invite the public to witness their good deeds.

I think excessive showiness often betrays an inner emptiness at best and an artful concealment of untoward impulses and deeds at worst. This sentiment is encapsulated in such enduring pieces of folk wisdom as “Empty vessels make the most noise,” “Still waters run deep,” etc.

This isn’t universally true, of course. Some genuinely ethical and kind people may be outwardly flashy and given to offensive displays of self-importance. And some businesses thrive on vulgar outward displays, so people who are in these kinds of businesses can’t help but be showy out of a professional imperative.

But policing is no show business. Governance isn’t, either. Nor is morality. And so on. For the most part, it is my experience that people who are overly exhibitionistic in the performance of morality and of such run-of-the-mill duties as policing and governance are often shady and use exhibitionism to conceal their shadiness.

Although he has been accused of being a brutal SARS operative in Lagos, Abba Kyari clearly has his good sides. I have read many accounts of his kindness to total strangers, of his pan-Nigerian cosmopolitanism, and of his dogged sleuthing that resolved knotty criminal cases. His admirable detective work attracted notice and approbation. But then he got intoxicated by praise and attention, and made it his life’s calling to hanker after the limelight— in a job that should be done in the sedate quietude of the background.

He routinely invites cameras and press people to record him doing his job. One of the absurd extremes of his exhibitionism, for me, was when he invited journalists, videographers, and photographers to show him looking for kidnappers in the bushes. Of course, he apprehended no kidnapper because those crafty monsters of depravity aren’t imbecilic sitting ducks waiting for Abba Kyari to capture them on camera. He just wanted to showboat.

And he got a lot of reputational mileage from this dumb stunt. I didn’t see any groundswell of discursive repudiation against a famed sleuth hound ignoring detective work that is central to the fight against kidnapping and instead staging a fatuous media show.

What is worse, the man who earned a reputation as a ruthless annihilator of criminals started to openly cavort with people that, at the very least, he should be suspicious of. He has been photographed with people whose source of wealth is questionable and whose conspicuous consumption should put them on his investigatory radar.

Now we know why. FBI’s charge sheet against Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abbas revealed phone chats that Kyari and Abbas exchanged in which Abbas instructed Kyari to arrest Abbas’ rival in internet fraud. It is reasonable to draw the conclusion that the wealthy but dodgy people Kyari frolics with use him as a cudgel against their enemies and rivals.

The FBI’s affidavit implicating Abba Kyari in Hushpuppi’s fraud captures this sentiment. It reads: “Kyari is a highly decorated deputy commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force who is alleged to have arranged for Vincent [Abbas’ rival in crime] to be arrested and jailed at Abbas’ behest, and then sent Abbas photographs of Vincent after his arrest.

“Kyari also allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment.”

In other words, Kyari was probably initially a good cop whose excellent work earned him plaudits from his superiors, plausive publicity from the news media, and veneration from a grateful public. Then he gradually started to seek out the news media, insert himself into public consciousness, and promote opportunistically self-serving narratives about his unparalleled detective machismo with a predetermined motive to profit from it.

He parlayed his popularity and carefully cultivated larger-than-life media image into “big-men-protection” security gigs. He obviously not only protects “big men”; he also torments their less connected rivals and victims for financial gain, as the FBI’s court documents indicate.

But the fact that he flaunts his association with flashy, questionable characters without fear of consequences from his superiors suggests that he is not alone. He obviously has powerful backers in the police establishment who also benefit materially from his ethically stained exploits.

Given how morally rotten the institution of the police is in Nigeria—and the rampant crab mentality in its ranks—the fact that the only “consequence”Kyari has faced for his unconventional, publicity-seeking, show-and-tell policing and open cavorting with suspicious personages is a meteoric climb up the promotional ladder is an indication that the police establishment is in on what he does.

Unfortunately for the police establishment, Kyari’s transgressions have now transcended the bounds of Nigeria and can’t be dismissed with the same blithe impunity with which previous indiscretions were treated. For instance, on October 28, 2020, TheCable reported that a Lagos businessman by the name of Afeez Mojeed accused Abba Kyari of defrauding him of up to 41 million naira.

In a petition to the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State Government to address abuses by SARS, Mojeed alleged that Kyari and his SARS team forcefully broke into his home in 2014, accused him of being an internet fraudster, seized 280,000 naira from his wardrobe, another 50,000 from his car, which they took away and never returned, detained him for 14 days, and later charged him to court but never showed up or brought any witness against him, forcing the court to strike out the internet fraud charge against him.

Mojeed also alleged that Kyari forced him to reveal the password to some of his bank cards, sign checks, and electronically transfer money to designated bank accounts, which added up to tens of millions. When Mojeed’s lawyer reached out to Kyari to resolve the matter, the petition alleged, Kyari told the lawyer that Mojeed was an internet fraudster, and that he proposed a deal with the lawyer to help him get another 15 million naira from one of Mojeed’sbank accounts. Kyari allegedly offered the lawyer a 5-million-naira reward as compensation for his cooperation, but the lawyer declined the offer.

Neither the EFCC nor the ICPC even acknowledged, much less acted on, Mojeed’s petition for a redress of what he said was gross injustice against him by Kyari. And Kyari didn’t even find it worth his while to respond to TheCable’s request to hear his own side of the story.

So, clearly, Kyari is habituated to immunity from the consequences of his transgressions and indiscretions. That happens only when you have powerful backers. But it’s different this time around. You don’t mess with the FBI and get away with it.

Court documents quote the FBI to have pointedly said Abba Kyari, “together with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, knowingly conspired to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.” This leaves no room for rigmarole. I think the game is over for the ‘super cop.’

I also think the Nigerian society should take some blame for nurturing personas like Abba Kyari. Our insatiable but often unmet hunger for heroes predisposes us to be susceptible to frauds masquerading as saviours. We can avoid this if we take as a rule of thumb the idea that most people who have a compulsive need to be overly showy and self-congratulatory about a virtue or a deed often have something to hide.

Related Articles

79 COMMENTS

  1. Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price?
    Thank you, I appreciate it!

    my web page – Luz

  2. Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due
    to no data backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

    My blog post … 1069.club

  3. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog
    loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

    Here is my site :: 7mi.org

  4. Hello there I am so happy I found your website,
    I really found you by accident, while I was researching
    on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like
    to say thank you for a marvelous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up
    the fantastic work.

    Visit my blog shorl.com

  5. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more
    than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.

    Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great graphics
    or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its field.
    Awesome blog!

    Also visit my site Mattie

  6. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward
    to looking over your web page for a second time.

    Visit my homepage :: Forum.Veriagi.com [Forum.Veriagi.com]

  7. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
    your theme? Excellent work!

    Feel free to surf to my web site: http://www.4mark.net

  8. I just like the valuable info you provide on your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and test once more right here frequently.
    I’m quite sure I’ll be told many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    Here is my page – telegra.ph

  9. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!

    Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much.
    I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

    my webpage … kwafoo.coe.neu.edu

  10. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am inspired!
    Extremely helpful info specifically the remaining
    section 🙂 I handle such info a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

    Visit my site; http://www.synthedit.com

  11. hi!,I like your writing very a lot! proportion we keep in touch
    extra about your post on AOL? I need a specialist
    in this space to resolve my problem. Maybe that’s you!
    Having a look forward to look you.

    Visit my web blog: popka.info

  12. What’s up, I would like to subscribe for this webpage to take hottest updates, therefore where can i do it please assist.

    Review my homepage – bybak.com

  13. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this
    blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to
    get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
    I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Opera.
    Superb Blog!

    Also visit my blog post – https://anotepad.com/notes/kbbsfq3s

  14. Hi! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the courage
    to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Tx!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the good work!

    Visit my webpage; androideos.ru

  15. I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.

    You’re amazing! Thanks!

    Also visit my website discuss

  16. I am truly happy to glance at this webpage posts which contains tons of helpful information, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.

    My web-site – bookoof.net

  17. Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told used to be a enjoyment account it.
    Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how
    can we be in contact?

    Feel free to visit my site – 5alij.com

  18. This is the perfect site for anybody who wants to find out about this topic.
    You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you
    (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh
    spin on a subject that’s been written about for a long time.
    Great stuff, just great!

    My homepage: abporn.net

  19. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through
    some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    Review my blog: phonographic.science

  20. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see
    if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be
    a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.

    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with
    someone!

    my web-site; Priyobondhu91.Com

  21. I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly
    what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
    I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number
    of the subjects you write in relation to here.

    Again, awesome weblog!

    Here is my page; seksi-new.ru

  22. You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read a single thing like that before.
    So good to discover someone with some genuine thoughts on this topic.

    Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the web,
    someone with some originality!

    Feel free to surf to my blog – http://shisha.from.kg/user/formfibre75/

  23. Great weblog here! Also your site so much up
    very fast! What host are you the use of?

    Can I am getting your affiliate link in your host? I want my website loaded up
    as quickly as yours lol

    My web-site; nerdgaming.science

  24. My spouse and I stumbled over here different page and thought I
    might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to finding out about your web page for a second time.

    Check out my web-site; xgbjb.com

  25. Thanks for another informative web site. The place else could I am getting that
    kind of info written in such an ideal manner?
    I’ve a undertaking that I am just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out
    for such information.

    Here is my web-site autosbaratosenventa.com

  26. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this information So i’m glad to show that I have a very just right
    uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
    I so much certainly will make certain to do not fail to remember this website and provides it a glance
    on a relentless basis.

    Visit my web blog :: canvas.instructure.com

  27. Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I
    really enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same
    subjects? Thanks!

    My blog: answers.codelair.com

  28. Remarkable issues here. I’m very happy to see your article.
    Thank you a lot and I’m looking ahead to touch you. Will you
    please drop me a mail?

    My homepage :: Doyle

  29. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I
    would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me.

    I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of
    it!

    Feel free to visit my blog :: http://www.pigsforsale.co.za

  30. I every time used to study article in news papers but now as I am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net for content, thanks to
    web.

    Here is my site zhhtcq.com

  31. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a
    blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the
    same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit
    from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

    Also visit my web-site – https://www.cakeresume.com/me/plantdigger95/

  32. Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are
    stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.

    Here is my blog; http://pandora.nla.gov.au/external.html?link=https://notes.io/qqN84

  33. Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your
    weblog and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds
    and even I fulfillment you get admission to consistently
    fast.

    Also visit my website … gtaisland.ru

  34. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
    Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

    Feel free to visit my blog :: http://www.talk987.com

  35. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been using?
    I’m having some minor security problems with
    my latest blog and I’d like to find something more safe.
    Do you have any recommendations?

    Also visit my webpage Trent

  36. Your style is unique compared to other folks I have read stuff
    from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will
    just bookmark this web site.

    Also visit my web site; gticlub.lv

  37. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new
    to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it
    and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

    Also visit my page … kgti.kg

  38. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!

    Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was looking for this certain information for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

    Have a look at my webpage – s.id

  39. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to
    no backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?

    Take a look at my web blog: mnbralhlul.com

  40. Howdy I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found
    you by error, while I was looking on Bing for something else,
    Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to
    say thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go
    through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do
    keep up the great b.

    Have a look at my site … wbcsnotebook.com

  41. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
    I’m quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    Look into my web-site – http://www.windsorcn.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Stay Connected

1,167,000FansLike
34,567FollowersFollow
1,401,000FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles