Former sports minister Solomon Dalung appeals to the Nigerian federal government to pardon DCP Abba Kyari citing inconsistency in clemency grants and calling for fairness and justice .
Former Nigerian Sports Minister Solomon Dalung who also serves as the Comrade General of the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria MEN has called on the Federal Government to grant a presidential pardon to Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari Dalung described Kyari’s continued detention and prosecution as unfair and unjust especially when compared with the recent wave of presidential pardons given to individuals convicted of serious offenses He stated that such selective justice undermines the moral and legal foundation of the country’s judicial system and discourages those who have served the nation faithfully .
Kyari’s Case and Background
Abba Kyari a well known and once highly celebrated police officer was arrested in February 2022 by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over allegations of involvement in drug trafficking He was accused of conspiracy to tamper with and traffic 2135 kilograms of cocaine allegedly seized from suspected drug traffickers Despite these allegations Kyari has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him His arrest and ongoing trial have since become one of the most talked about issues in Nigeria’s law enforcement history .
Also Read : JUST IN Nigerian Army Eliminates Deadly IPOB Commander Alhaji in Ebonyi
Dalung’s Appeal and Core Arguments
In his statement Solomon Dalung highlighted key reasons why Abba Kyari deserves clemency from the government .
Selective Clemency Undermines Fairness
Dalung noted that the government had recently granted presidential pardons to individuals convicted of serious crimes including drug trafficking kidnapping fraud and even armed banditry Many of these individuals he pointed out were previously arrested by Kyari and his team during their operations He argued that allowing these people to regain their freedom while keeping Kyari behind bars creates a sense of injustice and favoritism that could damage public confidence in the justice system .
Erosion of Moral and Legal Basis
The former minister explained that the recent pattern of clemency has stripped away the moral and legal justification for Kyari’s continued detention According to him when convicted criminals are granted state mercy yet a serving officer who risked his life to fight such crimes remains imprisoned it portrays a distorted image of justice Dalung described the situation as institutional betrayal against an officer who had served with dedication and distinction .
Call for Discontinuation of Charges and Release
Dalung urged President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue all charges against Kyari and ensure his immediate release He warned that ignoring this appeal would amount to a travesty of justice and could send a discouraging message to other security personnel who risk their lives daily for national safety Dalung maintained that true justice must not only be seen to be done but must also be consistent and fair in its application .
Presidential Pardons and Their Implications
In recent months President Bola Tinubu approved the release of 175 individuals through the power of presidential pardon The list of those pardoned included notable names such as Maryam Sanda Major General Mamman Vatsa and the late Herbert Macaulay The decision which was based on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy has sparked national debate about the criteria and fairness used in granting such clemencies The pardons covered a wide range of offenses including fraud illegal mining and homicide Dalung and the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria have argued that these decisions highlight an inconsistency that cannot be ignored while Kyari remains behind bars .
Public Reactions and Stakeholder Views
The call for Abba Kyari’s pardon has generated significant public attention and mixed reactions Supporters of Dalung’s position believe that fairness demands Kyari’s inclusion in the government’s wave of clemency They see him as a dedicated officer who may have been caught in the crossfire of institutional politics However others insist that due process must be followed and that granting a pardon to someone still facing trial could undermine the fight against corruption and organized crime The debate has also raised legal questions about whether a person who has not been convicted but is still on trial can be granted a presidential pardon .
Implications and Future Outlook
The outcome of Dalung’s appeal could have lasting implications for Nigeria’s justice and clemency system If the government decides to pardon Kyari it may open the door for similar appeals from other officers and individuals facing trial On the other hand a refusal could deepen public skepticism about the fairness of presidential pardons and the criteria for their approval The case could ultimately become a test of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to balancing justice with compassion and ensuring that the exercise of mercy does not appear selective or politically motivated .
Conclusion
The plea by former minister Solomon Dalung for a presidential pardon for Abba Kyari has brought renewed attention to the delicate balance between mercy and justice in Nigeria While Kyari’s case remains in court Dalung’s argument highlights deeper concerns about equity consistency and moral fairness within the justice system Whether or not the government acts on this appeal the issue will continue to stir discussions about the credibility of executive clemency and its role in shaping public trust in governance .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .