Rights Group Seeks Kyari’s Release, Cites Presidential Pardons For Convicted Criminals

The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) has demanded the immediate release of former Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, describing his continued detention and prosecution as “a grave injustice” and “a betrayal of national service.”

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Comrade General, Solomon Dalung, who’s the former Minister for Youth and Sports, the group expressed shock that despite recent presidential pardons granted to convicted drug traffickers, fraudsters, kidnappers, and bandits—many of whom were arrested by Kyari’s team—the decorated police officer remains in custody.

“The continued detention and prosecution of DCP Abba Kyari despite recent presidential pardons extended to convicted criminals amounts to a grave injustice and ridicule of the principle of fairness,” the group said.

“If notorious criminals have been deemed worthy of pardon, it is morally indefensible to continue the persecution of an officer whose only crime was his patriotic zeal to combat the same menace now being rewarded by the state.”

Dalung stated that the wave of presidential amnesties and pardons had “effectively emptied the moral and legal basis” for Kyari’s continued prosecution.

He said the government’s inconsistency in applying justice and mercy undermines public confidence in the nation’s legal institutions.

“This selective application of clemency represents a double standard that erodes trust in the justice system,” Dalung said.

“It is a clear case of institutional betrayal against a man who once risked his life in the service of national security and public order. Justice demands consistency, and equity demands that mercy must not be reserved for the guilty while punishment is sustained against the righteous.”

MEN described Kyari as a “national asset” whose dedication to law enforcement earned Nigeria both local and international recognition in combating violent crimes, kidnapping, and organized criminal networks.

The group argued that continued prosecution of such an officer sends a wrong signal to other public servants who are risking their lives daily to protect citizens.

“In the spirit of fairness, national healing, and genuine reconciliation, the government must act now,” Dalung said. “We call on the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue all charges against DCP Abba Kyari and secure his immediate release. Anything short of this will amount to a travesty of justice and a dangerous precedent that discourages public officers from dedicating themselves to the fight against crime.”

The statement added that the MEN would continue to advocate for fairness, justice, and consistency in the application of the law, warning that “when justice becomes selective, public trust in governance collapses.”