Beyond Presidential Clemency: The Many Questions Left Unanswered
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lately exercised his constitutional energy beneath Section 175 of the Nigerian Constitution by granting clemency to over 100 inmates throughout varied correctional amenities within the nation.
While this act of mercy has been extensively mentioned—and even criticized in some quarters—it stays a legit prerogative of the President. Constructive criticism, in spite of everything, is a part of good governance. Yet, amidst the applause and dissent, one identify stays conspicuously absent from the listing of beneficiaries: Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari.
*The Enigma of Abba Kyari*
DCP Abba Kyari’s story is as intriguing as it’s troubling. A celebrated crime fighter as soon as hailed as one of the crucial efficient officers within the historical past of the Nigeria Police Force since its institution in 1926, Kyari was embellished and recommended by 4 completely different Inspectors General of Police and honoured by the National Assembly—a primary within the historical past of the Nigerian Police.
Ironically, it was this very recognition that marked the start of his downfall. His achievements attracted envy, and his life got here beneath intense public scrutiny. For some, his confidence and charisma have been insupportable. To these bothered with the pull-him-down syndrome, Kyari was a goal that needed to fall.
Despite an illustrious profession in crime prevention and investigation, a story was orchestrated to tarnish his picture—one which led to his eventual incarceration.
*Unanswered Questions*
Four years on, Kyari stays in detention on the Kuje Correctional Centre. Yet, the questions persist:
Is Abba Kyari a assassin?
Is he a kidnapper?
Is he a drug lord or cocaine trafficker?
Is he an armed robber?
Is he a corrupt police officer?
*Is he responsible of any crime confirmed in court docket?*
If the solutions to those are not any, then what precisely are the “sins” of Abba Kyari? Why was he neglected within the presidential prerogative of mercy or higher nonetheless withdrawal of the case and invoking the part of the structure to let him go? Could it’s that his solely “crime” was being too good at his job?
DCP Abba Kyari’s case must be reviewed and doubtlessly dismissed whereas citing the precept of equity, fairness, and justice. if different convicted of violent crimes might be granted presidential pardon and clemency, then Kyari’s case also needs to be thought of for related leniency. It is a transparent indication of injustice figuring out totally effectively that the identical individuals he helped in arresting and later convicted beneath the legislation are strolling freely whereas others with no such prison data are nonetheless held, What sort of ethical justification is that? The Inconsistency in Application of Justice: If others are granted pardon, why not Kyari? In equity and fairness, guarantee equal remedy beneath the legislation. Justice ought to think about Kyari’s service document and contributions to society. It will probably be of nationwide curiosity, equity, and justice for the Attorney General of the Federation utilizing his powers beneath Section 174 of the Constitution to name for the withdrawal of the case within the curiosity of equity, Justice, National reconciliation, fairness and National Security of Nigeria.
*A Case of Selective Justice*
According to Comrade Solomon Dalung, spokesperson for the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN), “This selective application of clemency amounts to grave injustice and ridicules the principle of fairness. If notorious criminals have been deemed worthy of pardon, it is morally indefensible to continue the persecution of an officer whose only crime was his patriotic zeal to combat the same menace now being rewarded by the state.”
