A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Adamu Kabiru Adam, has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on the Federal Government to review and withdraw the charges against the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, amid the country’s worsening security situation.
The letter, dated January 30, 2026, was also copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, urging the Federal Government to exercise its constitutional powers in the interest of national security.
Adam said Nigeria is currently grappling with one of the most severe security crises in its history, with increasing cases of banditry, terrorism, mass kidnappings, and violent attacks, particularly across the northern part of the country.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians have been killed or displaced, while kidnapping-for-ransom has spread across highways, schools, farmlands, and residential communities, severely affecting social and economic activities.
According to him, despite increased security spending and several policy interventions, criminal groups continue to operate with confidence, in some instances imposing illegal levies on communities and overwhelming local security structures.
The lawyer argued that during the period Abba Kyari played a frontline role in internal security operations, incidents of insurgency and organised violent crime were comparatively lower, with notable operational successes recorded through intelligence-driven policing and rapid response strategies.
While reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and due process, Adam maintained that the continued prosecution of Kyari at a time of national security emergency requires careful reassessment in the overriding public interest.
He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. He also referenced Section 174, which empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings in the interest of justice, public interest, and to prevent abuse of legal process.
According to Adam, the prevailing security challenges justify the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, warning that further depletion of experienced security personnel could weaken the nation’s capacity to confront insecurity.
He stressed that his appeal was not intended to interfere with judicial independence but to encourage lawful action in line with constitutional responsibility, national stability, and public safety.
The lawyer therefore urged the Federal Government to discontinue the charges against Kyari, prioritise national security considerations, and adopt measures aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and restoring public confidence.
