Nigerian Groups in U.S. Urge Tinubu to Grant Presidential Pardon to Abba Kyari, Cite National Security Needs

A coalition of Nigerian organizations based in the United States has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to issue a presidential pardon to embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, emphasizing his critical role in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the coalition’s lead coordinator, Professor Emakoji Ayikoye, described Kyari as an irreplaceable national asset. He highlighted Kyari’s outstanding track record in combating violent crimes, terrorism, and kidnappings through the use of advanced technology and strategic policing. According to Ayikoye, keeping such a skilled officer incarcerated amid rising insecurity is a severe blow to national interests. “Kyari has been detained for over three years without conviction. Can Nigeria afford to waste such talent at a time like this?” he questioned.

The group alleged that Kyari’s ongoing imprisonment is politically motivated, calling it “a calculated setup driven by envy and internal vendettas.” They criticized what they see as a double standard in Nigeria’s justice system, pointing out that others facing more serious allegations remain free. “We are not calling for the subversion of justice, but it must not be used as a tool for political exclusion,” Ayikoye noted.

Drawing comparisons with global political figures, the coalition referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump—both of whom have faced legal troubles yet retained political influence. They also cited the U.S. government’s reversal of the terrorist designation of Ahmed al-Sharaa due to shifting strategic needs. “History shows that in times of crisis, nations often choose pragmatism over rigidity. Nigeria must do the same,” Ayikoye asserted.

The coalition concluded by urging President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to exercise strategic leadership by pardoning Kyari—not as an act of exoneration, but as a decision in the national interest. They argued that reinstating Kyari could mark a decisive shift in addressing the country’s growing security threats. A formal petition has already been submitted to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., with a request for it to be relayed to the Presidency.