By Chinenye Onwusonye
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 discontinue the criminal charges against Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, amid Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In the letter, signed by Adam and dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the President with copies to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the lawyer urged the Federal Government to invoke its constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in the interest of national security.
In the report Adam stated that Nigeria is currently experiencing one of the most severe security crises in its history, characterised by rising incidents of banditry, terrorism, mass kidnappings and violent attacks, particularly across the northern region 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, significantly disrupting economic activities and social life.
According to the lawyer, despite increased security spending and multiple policy interventions, criminal groups continue to operate with confidence, in some instances imposing illegal levies on communities and overwhelming local security formations.
Adam argued that during the period Kyari played a frontline role in internal security operations, incidents of insurgency and organised violent crime were comparatively lower, with notable operational successes achieved 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 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, as well as Section 174, which empowers the Attorney-General to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings in the interest of justice, public interest or national security.
The lawyer warned that the continued depletion of experienced security personnel could weaken the nation’s capacity to effectively confront insecurity.
He stressed that the appeal was not intended to interfere with judicial independence but to encourage lawful action in line with constitutional responsibility, national stability and public safety.
Adam 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.
