Former warlords have received pardons, and Tinubu is urged to grant amnesty to Abba Kyari
In a significant development, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a conditional presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari. This call was made in early August 2025 amid ongoing court proceedings against Kyari related to a cocaine trafficking case [1][2][3][5].
The IHRC's appeal is aimed at seeking consideration for the country's strategic national interests. Arguments for the pardon, as advanced by the IHRC, include:
- Kyari's prior reputation as a highly effective anti-crime officer who led successful operations against kidnappers, armed robbers, and insurgents, making him a valuable asset for national security [1][2][3].
- The constitutional authority of the President under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to grant clemency pragmatically, especially during national crises like Nigeria's rising insecurity [1].
- Court testimonies suggesting no direct communication between Kyari and convicted traffickers, who have already served their sentences, implying possible wrongful implication or lesser culpability [1].
- The notion that a conditional pardon with transparency and public accountability could rehabilitate Kyari and reintegrate his expertise into Nigeria’s fight against crime, similar to conditional amnesties granted in post-conflict African states for peace and stability [1].
However, it's important to note that the ongoing judicial process against Kyari raises concerns about undermining judicial independence or accountability by granting a pardon prematurely [4]. Public and legal expectations for justice and anti-corruption measures against law enforcement officials implicated in criminal cases suggest that pardoning could be controversial and perceived as favoritism or impunity.
The IHRC reaffirmed its respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari but called for a national dialogue on the matter to consolidate public and stakeholder support for a strategic and conditional presidential pardon for Kyari. The commission urges a future-focused, constitutionally grounded approach that recognizes the tactical value of experienced security personnel, if found eligible under the law and subject to public accountability.
This call for a conditional pardon for Kyari is not aimed at circumventing justice or interfering with legal processes. Instead, it is a plea for a balanced approach that considers national security, the rule of law, and the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration of valuable assets in Nigeria's fight against crime.
Globally, there are precedents for convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise to be reintegrated into national service through conditional frameworks, under strict legal and ethical oversight. For instance, former hackers have been recruited by governments to assist in cybersecurity defenses, and law enforcement agencies have regularly offered plea bargains or deferred sentencing in exchange for intelligence or cooperation [6].
As the situation unfolds, the decision regarding Kyari's pardon will undoubtedly have significant implications for Nigeria's legal system, national security, and public perception of justice. The IHRC's call for a conditional pardon serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about the potential for second chances in the context of national security and the rule of law.
[1] International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Press Release, August 2025. [2] Nigerian Tribune, "IHRC Urges Tinubu to Grant Kyari Conditional Pardon," August 2025. [3] Vanguard, "IHRC Calls for Kyari's Conditional Pardon for National Security," August 2025. [4] Premium Times, "IHRC's Call for Kyari's Pardon Raises Concerns over Judicial Independence," August 2025. [5] The Guardian, "Kyari's Case: IHRC Calls for National Dialogue on Conditional Pardon," August 2025. [6] The New York Times, "Convicted Hackers Recruited by Governments for Cybersecurity," 2020. [7] Washington Post, "Law Enforcement Agencies Offer Plea Bargains for Intelligence," 2018.
- The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has made a call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a conditional presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari, amid ongoing court proceedings related to a cocaine trafficking case.
- The IHRC's appeal argues that Kyari, known for his effectiveness in anti-crime operations, is a valuable asset for national security and could be rehabilitated and reintegrated into Nigeria's fight against crime with a conditional pardon.
- Citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, the IHRC also highlights the President's constitutional authority to grant clemency pragmatically during national crises like Nigeria's rising insecurity.
- The IHRC, while respecting the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, urges a national dialogue to consolidate public and stakeholder support for a strategic and conditional presidential pardon.
- The IHRC's call comes amidst concerns about undermining judicial independence or accountability by granting a pardon prematurely, and recognizes the potential for second chances in the context of national security and the rule of law.
- There are global precedents for convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise to be reintegrated into national service through conditional frameworks, such as recruiting former hackers for cybersecurity defenses or offering plea bargains for intelligence as seen in cases reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post.
