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Claim: A Facebook user, Mamman Modukur, on June 9, 2025, claimed Abba Kyari has risen to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police and is now eligible for promotion to Inspector General of Police. Mamman Modukur also made several other claims.
Verdict: False. The claims made by this Facebook user are false and misleading, and some lack evidence.
Full Text
On June 9, 2025, a Facebook user, Mamman Modukur, claimed that Abba Kyari had been promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), making him eligible for appointment as the Inspector General of Police. He also made several other statements.
The post also claims internal resistance within the Nigerian Police Force, suggesting that “there is a lot of envy within the police force” and accusing unnamed “traitors of the Nigerian security forces” of undermining Kyari’s work.
The claimant alleged a broader conspiracy involving IPOB, implying that Kyari’s crackdown on the group led to resentment among top security officials. He further asserts that no charges remain against Kyari and that even the drug traffickers linked to his case have been released.
“There are no charges against Abba Kyari because even those who were accused of wrongdoing against him have long since been released, namely the drug traffickers whom his sons caught. The court released them more than a year ago. That is Nigeria,” the post reads in part.
While some users congratulated Kyari on the alleged promotion, others expressed doubt and scepticism.
Abdulazeez Mohammed wrote, “What is meant for you will surely be. Don’t give up, man. Congratulations.”
Itz Aboubakar Yousouf questioned the claim, saying, “Surely Abba Kyari was promoted to AIG? So he skipped DCP and CP?”
Joseph Oyerinde dismissed the post outright, commenting, “Fake news.”
DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claims to prevent the spread of misinformation, given the high profile and sensitive nature of Abba Kyari’s case.
Verification
Claim 1: Abba Kyari has risen to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and is eligible for promotion to Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Verdict: False
Abba Kyari is a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), not an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). He was suspended in August 2021 following allegations of involvement in a $1.1 million internet fraud case with Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi). There is no credible evidence or official record of his AIG promotion or IGP consideration.
The Head of Press and Public Relations at the Police Service Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, in a telephone interview with DUBAWA, debunked the claim. He said, “People are not promoted to the position of IGP; the President appoints the IGP. The claim that he was promoted from DCP to AIG is not possible. Promotions are handled by the Commission, and no such matter has been brought before us. As far as I know, the Commission has not treated anything of that nature. There is no such promotion.”
In 2024, the Police Service Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, announced the abolition of special promotions within the Nigeria Police Force.
Claim 2: There are no charges against Abba Kyari; his accusers have been released, clearing him of wrongdoing
Verdict: False
As of April 2025, Abba Kyari is still facing multiple criminal charges. He and several others were ordered by a Federal High Court in Abuja to enter their defence over alleged tampering and dealings involving 17.55 kilograms of cocaine. He is also facing charges related to failing to declare assets. The release or conviction of co-accused does not mean the charges against Kyari have been dropped or cleared.
Claim 3: Abba Kyari was exonerated of all allegations
Verdict: Misleading.
The Office of the Attorney General (AGF) issued legal advice in March 2022 stating that, based on available evidence, there was no link between Kyari and money laundering in the Hushpuppi case. The AGF also clarified that he did not exonerate Kyari of all allegations. This exoneration pertained specifically to allegations of money laundering. Kyari remains on trial for drug-related offences and other charges.
DUBAWA contacted the Special Assistant on Communication and Publicity to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kamarudeen Ogundele, via phone call to verify whether the AGF’s office had exonerated Abba Kyari of the charges. He responded, “I will get back to you as soon as I get information.” However, as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to respond.
Claim 4: Kyari’s legal troubles are due to envy within the police force or conspiracies by IPOB and others.
Verdict: Insufficient evidence.
This is an opinion and not a claim. The suspension and charges against Kyari are based on documented investigations by Nigerian and international authorities, not on unsubstantiated conspiracies or internal envy.
Claim 5: The court released all drug traffickers caught by Kyari’s team, and this proves his innocence.
Verdict: Misleading.
While some co-defendants (the traffickers) have been convicted, this does not exonerate Kyari. He is still required to defend himself in ongoing court proceedings for his alleged involvement in tampering with evidence and drug trafficking.
Conclusion
Abba Kyari was not promoted or cleared of all charges. Available reports and court records do not support conspiracy, envy, or total exoneration claims.
