It would be counter productive for NDLEA to file charges against Abba Kyari pending extradition application- By Inibehe Effiong

The extradition application filed
by the Attorney General of the
Federation for Abba Kyari to be
extradited to the US is a welcome
development. Now that the FG
has taken this step, NDLEA has
to stay action on the drug related
charges against Kyari. That’s the
implication.

Investigation by the NDLEA can
continue while the extradition
application is litigated. But it will be
counter productive for the NDLEA to
proceed to file charges against Kyari
during the pendency of the extradition
application. That will make nonsense of
the entire process.

Section 3 of the Extradition Act makes
it imperative for the prosecution of Kyari
on the drug charges be put on hold. This
is because by the said provision,
extradition application will be refused by
the court if the wanted fugitive is
undergoing prosecution for another
crime.

If Abubakar Malami, SAN is serious and
honest about extraditing Kyari, he
should ensure that the NDLEA does not
file charges against Kyari at this time.
Otherwise, it will vindicate those who
have asserted that the drug allegations
may just be a disguise attempt to shield
Kyari.