IHRC Urges President Tinubu to Consider Conditional Pardon for Abba Kyari, Citing National Security

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in the interest of national security.

The call was made through a statement released in Abuja on Friday by Duru Hezekiah, IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. According to Hezekiah, the worsening insecurity in the country—including terrorism, kidnapping, and organized crime—necessitates urgent and strategic interventions, including the potential reintegration of experienced security operatives like Kyari, under strict legal conditions.

While reaffirming respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, the IHRC clarified that its appeal is not meant to interfere with the legal process. Instead, it is a forward-looking proposal urging the government to explore constitutionally backed options such as conditional clemency under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), especially if trial proceedings become prolonged or inconclusive.

The commission drew parallels with global examples, including the U.S., where individuals with technical or security expertise have been reintegrated into service under supervised conditions. It cited cases where ex-hackers were recruited for cybersecurity or where post-conflict African states granted conditional amnesty to former warlords to foster peace and security.

Describing such clemency as a pragmatic, not forgiving, approach, the IHRC emphasized the potential of transforming Kyari from a controversial figure into a strategic asset in Nigeria’s anti-crime efforts—if done transparently and with public accountability. It also called on civil society, legal experts, and security stakeholders to engage in dialogue about aligning justice with national resilience.

The commission concluded by urging President Tinubu to seize this moment for a bold, constitutionally grounded decision that balances justice, security, and national interest.