The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has appointed a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Tunji Disu, as the new Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
The appointment comes following the suspension of DCP Abba Kyari who was indicted by the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) in an investigation of alleged million-dollar fraud perpetrated by a suspected internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi.
Abba Kyari was said to have allegedly collected a bribe from Hushpuppi to jail and torture one of his associates after a dispute over a $1.1 million scam on a Qatari businessman.
Although Kyari has denied any wrongdoing, the Police Service Commission on the recommendation of the IGP suspended him to allow an independent investigation into the charges against him.
IGP Appoint Tunji Disu To Replace Abba Kyari
In a statement on Monday, the police spokesman, Frank Mba said the IGP has appointed Tunji Disu “on the heels of management’s decision to fill the leadership gap within the IRT and refocus the unit for better service delivery”.
Mba quoted the IGP as saying the IRT will remain focused in the discharge of its duties in line with national statutes and international best practices.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has today, 2nd August, 2021 approved the posting of DCP Tunji Disu as the new Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” he said.
“Prior to his appointment as the new Head of the IRT, DCP Tunji Disu, a former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos State, was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“He had also previously served at the State CID, Rivers State as the Deputy Head of the Unit. He was also a former Commander of the Nigeria Police Contingent to the African Union (AU) Peace Keeping Mission in Dafur, Sudan.
“DCP Disu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Lagos State University (LASU) and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State. He has also attended several professional courses both at home and abroad: Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana, Internet Fraud Training at the Cambridge University, UK, Strategic Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, Forensic Investigations and Criminal Intelligence Course at the University of Lagos, amongst others.
“He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and Chattered Institute of Personnel management, amongst other professional bodies.”
KanyiDaily had reported how Abba Kyari was lobbying the IGP, and threatening to expose other top police officers who have benefitted from his largesse, should he be handed over to the FBI and extradited.