Nigeria Police Extradite Fugitive to UK Over Murder, Drug Trafficking
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face prosecution for alleged murder and drug trafficking offences.
The extradition was carried out through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024. The request sought the location, arrest, and return of Adebiyi over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. Police said the suspect fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident in a bid to evade arrest.
Authorities also accused Adebiyi of participating in the supply of crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court in Lagos. In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025, Justice A.O. Faji, on February 16, 2026, approved the extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act.
Following the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by Nigerian authorities, Adebiyi was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international collaboration, stressing that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
The Force said the development underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation and ensure accountability for transnational crimes.
By TopHeadlines