Group Demands Abba Kyari’s Release, Faults Presidential Pardons For Convicted Criminals

The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) has called on the Federal Government to order the immediate release of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, describing his continued detention as a “blatant injustice” and “a betrayal of national service.”

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Comrade General, Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, the group expressed dismay that while presidential pardons were recently granted to convicted drug traffickers, fraudsters, kidnappers, and bandits — many of whom were arrested by Kyari’s team — the decorated officer remains behind bars.

“The continued detention of DCP Abba Kyari despite recent presidential pardons extended to convicted criminals makes a mockery of justice and fairness,” the statement read. “If hardened criminals can be forgiven, it is unjust to keep punishing an officer whose only offence was his dedication to fighting crime.”

Dalung maintained that the government’s selective application of clemency “undermines the moral and legal foundations” of its justice system and erodes citizens’ trust in governance.

According to him, “This double standard represents an institutional betrayal against a man who risked his life to secure the country. Justice must be consistent; mercy must not be for the guilty alone while those who served faithfully are left to suffer.”

MEN described Kyari as a “national asset” whose commitment to law enforcement brought Nigeria recognition in combating kidnapping and organized crime. The group warned that his continued prosecution sends a wrong signal to security officers across the nation.

“In the interest of fairness and national healing, the government must discontinue all charges against DCP Kyari and ensure his immediate release,” Dalung said. “Anything short of that will amount to a travesty of justice.”

The statement added that MEN would continue to champion justice and equality in governance, insisting that selective justice “destroys public trust and weakens national unity.”