The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) office in Nigeria has made a bold appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to consider granting a conditional presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.
The call, rooted in concerns over Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, was outlined in a statement issued by Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, on Friday in Abuja.
The IHRC emphasized that the request is not intended to undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, who faces charges related to a 2022 cocaine trafficking case and alleged misconduct prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Instead, the commission advocates for a “future-focused, constitutionally grounded approach” that leverages Kyari’s extensive experience in law enforcement to address Nigeria’s worsening security landscape, including terrorism, kidnapping, organized crime, and armed banditry.
“A conditional pardon for Kyari—subject to public accountability—could transform a controversial figure into a rehabilitated asset in Nigeria’s fight against crime,” the IHRC stated.
The commission argued that Kyari, once celebrated as Nigeria’s most effective anti-crime officer for leading high-profile operations against kidnapping syndicates, narcotics networks, and terrorism cells, possesses valuable tactical and intelligence expertise that could bolster national security efforts if reintegrated lawfully and transparently.
Citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants the President the power to issue pardons and reprieves, the IHRC pointed to global precedents where conditional clemency has been used strategically.
“In the United States, former hackers have been recruited to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. In post-conflict African states, ex-warlords have been granted conditional amnesties to aid peacebuilding,” the statement noted.
The commission proposed that a similar framework, with strict oversight and public accountability, could allow Kyari to contribute to Nigeria’s security infrastructure without circumventing justice.
The IHRC clarified that its appeal is not a call for impunity or political favoritism but a pragmatic strategy to address national crises.
“In times of national crisis, justice must be redemptive as well as corrective,” Ambassador Hezekiah said.
“If used wisely, conditional clemency can serve as a bridge between law enforcement accountability and long-term peacebuilding.”
The commission also called for a national dialogue involving civil society organizations, legal experts, human rights advocates, and security policymakers to explore how Nigeria can harmonize justice with resilience.
“President Tinubu is uniquely positioned to lead this historic decision with the support of the Nigerian people,” the IHRC added, framing the potential pardon as a defining moment to align justice, constitutionality, and national interest.
Kyari’s career, once marked by accolades for his role in dismantling major criminal networks, took a dramatic downturn following his 2022 indictment.
His ongoing prosecution has sparked polarized opinions, with some viewing him as a fallen hero and others as a symbol of systemic corruption.
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