TheCable

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), has explained why it took time for the federal government to approve the extradition of Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police.

The AGF on Tuesday filed an application before the chief judge of the federal high court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.

The application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act.

In a statement on Wednesday, Malami, through his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, said the process of extradition is cumbersome and multifaceted.

“As you are aware extradition is a process that involves multifaceted components,” the statement read.

“The components are usually multi-territorial: international, local and judicial.

“Submission of request from the concerned party to the relevant authorities constitutes one of such components.

”The office of the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice received the extradition request in respect of the officer in question.

“After thorough studies and reviews of  issues regarding the application and components thereof, the office of the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice processed the application and forwarded same to the relevant authorities for further necessary action.”

Kyari is wanted in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and identity theft.

In July 2021, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicted Kyari in a $1.1 million fraud involving Hushpuppi, self-confessed international fraudster.

The suspended police officer denied the allegation, claiming that his “hands are clean”.

In August 2021, Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, received the report of a panel set up to probe the allegation against the officer.

The report was thereafter sent to the AGF.