…Says FG to Consider All Options Available On Buhari’s Electoral Act Amendment Request
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Wednesday, explained that the Federal Government, is still processing the extradiction request made by the United States Goverment on DCP Abba Kyari,
Malami made the comment while responding to questions at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday.
The Attorney General expressed sadness that he was misquoted by the media on the issue of the requested extradition of the suspended police chief, Kyari. Malami who stressed that the issue is ongoing noted that the confusion was a media creation even as he pleaded with journalists to get their facts right to avoid creating misunderstanding.
Malami explained there is naturally correspondence and exchange of mutual correspondence between the offices during the course of investigation.
He said, “Starting with the issue of Abba Kyari as raised, maybe by way of an insight as to the workings of the Office of the Attorney General and Federal Ministry of Justice, we need to understand that it is not and has never been part of the functions and duties of the office of the attorney to conduct investigation.
“So generally speaking, when issues are raised that have some criminal undertones, the responsibility of the office of the Attorney General is to contact the relevant agencies of government that are saddled with the responsibility of investigation, inclusive, or perhaps the police, ICPC, EFCC among others
“Fundamentally, after the investigation were deposited to the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General will review same to see whether there is need for enhancement of investigation as it relates to certain key elements of the offense.
“So it is from this background perspectives that you will need to consider what fully transpired in the case of Abba Kyari”, he said.
“Allegations were made, investigations were conducted, and then request for further enhancement of investigation were indeed made by the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of covering the field in arriving at an informed decision one way or the other.
“So while this process of correspondence between the Office of the Attorney General and the police is ongoing, it is indeed a work in progress and never a conclusive position. So that is what I can tell you clearly, there was indeed an independent request to an investigation.
“Interim Investigation report was presented to the office of the Attorney General and the Attorney General at the point requested for further enhancement of the investigation and highlighted some areas in respect of which enhancement of investigation is required.
“So it is indeed premature or perhaps mischievous for any conclusion to have been driven in the direction of exoneration or otherwise of liability or responsibility related therein…
“Well, you see there is the aspect associated with the case of Ababa Kyari that is being handled at the international level, particularly the US. And the US arising from the case of Huspuppy, sent in a request for extradition, I think you should get that clear. They sent in a request of extradition related to Abba Kyari
“And the way and manner these things are done with particular regard to extradition, the Office of the Attorney General, upon receipt of an international request for extradition, usually present same requests before judicial process for consideration…”
Malami also spoke on the President’s letter requesting the National Assembly to delete section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
He said that the government is considering three options available to it which includes asking for a reconsideration or approaching the court or accepting the law as it is.
He stated that while it is the responsibility of the lawmakers to legislate, the Federal Government will exploit all options available to it, if it becomes necessary.
According to him, the FG, has not taken a final decision concerning the issues.
