Rights Commission Urges Presidential Pardon for Abba Kyari

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

The appeal was made in a statement issued by the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Duru Hezekiah, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

Hezekiah noted that the recommendation is prompted by the escalating insecurity across the country, including terrorism, kidnapping, and organised crime. According to the commission, granting a conditional pardon to Kyari could support national efforts to combat such threats.

While reaffirming its respect for the judicial process and the charges against Kyari, the IHRC emphasized that the request was not meant to interfere with ongoing court proceedings.

> “Our position is not to circumvent justice or interfere with legal processes,” the statement said.
“Rather, we advocate for a constitutionally grounded approach that acknowledges the strategic value of experienced security personnel—if deemed eligible under the law and subjected to public accountability.”