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Claim: Different social media users claimed that Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, recently released and reinstated Abba Kyari.
Verdict: FALSE. No credible media organisation or statement from relevant authorities reported his release and reinstatement as of July 26, 2025.
Full Text
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested Abba Kyari, a celebrated police deputy commissioner, on Feb. 14, 2022. He was accused of tampering with several kilograms of cocaine. A United States (US) investigation also accused him of conspiring with Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi) to commit money laundering.
An Instagram user, Northern Connect, claimed in a post that President Tinubu ordered Mr Kyari’s release and reinstatement to the police force on July 20, 2025. As of July 26, 2025, the post has gained 8,507 reactions and 1,457 comments.
The comment section was filled with conflicting opinions about the claim’s authenticity.
King Olukayode said the news is fake. “Kyari has been released on bail since 2024,” he said. Okogwu Favour said, “Stop posting lies. He was granted bail since May last year.”
However, DUBAWA observed that most comments believed the news and assumed Mr Tinubu was strategically gaining Northern supporters before the 2027 election.
Bolaji Martins wrote, “Tinubu can pardon Dimka to look for support. He has no character, no principles, and no capability to govern. The only thing he cares for is power at all costs.”
Pereowei Baker said, “Tinubu is seriously looking for northern support in 2027, so he is willing to do anything to get what he wants.”
Facebook users also shared the claim here, here, here, and here.
The virality of the claim and its political implications for the country’s judicial system prompted DUBAWA to carry out the fact-check.
Verification
Despite trying keyword searches, DUBAWA found no credible media platform that reported such an incident. The latest news regarding the Kyari case happened in April 2025, when the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his “no-case” submission. The court held that a prima facie case was made against him and four co-defendants.
However, Kyari, who once led the police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), was granted a conditional bail in May 2024 after spending 27 months in detention. The embattled officer was temporarily released from prison custody to conclude his mother’s final burial rites.
He was ordered to surrender his passport and report regularly to the NDLEA. Contrary to the viral claim, he has not gained freedom since then.
As of July 27, 2025, he remains suspended pending the outcome of his ongoing trial. The Nigerian Police Force has yet to release any official statement.
DUBAWA texted Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO). He responded, “Ask the Federal Government, please. I think that’s the best way to go.”
We contacted Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, for comments on this claim. However, as of July 30, 2025, he has yet to respond to DUBAWA’s request via text and WhatsApp. We also tried to reach him via phone, but the calls went unanswered.
We also attempted to draw his attention via his X post, but received no feedback.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Abba Kyari has been released and reinstated is false. No credible news organisation reported that Bola Tinubu ordered his release and reinstatement.
