Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges related to murder and drug trafficking, in a case coordinated through INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Abuja and concluded with his formal handover at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to police authorities, the extradition followed a formal request from UK law enforcement agencies in September 2024, seeking assistance in locating and returning Adebiyi to face prosecution over his alleged involvement in a 2018 murder case and a separate drug trafficking investigation.
Investigators allege that the suspect was linked to the killing of Joshua Boadu on 18 June 2018 in the United Kingdom. Following the incident, he reportedly fled to Nigeria in an attempt to evade arrest and prosecution. In addition to the murder allegation, he is also accused of participating in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018.
The Nigeria Police Force stated that acting on intelligence and international cooperation protocols, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked and arrested the suspect on 23 January 2025. His arrest marked the beginning of formal extradition proceedings initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Court records show that the matter was heard under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025, where the Federal High Court granted the extradition request on 16 February 2026. The ruling, delivered by Justice A. O. Faji, authorized the suspect’s transfer in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act, which governs the surrender of individuals wanted for prosecution in other jurisdictions.
Following the court’s approval and execution of the required surrender warrant, the suspect was officially handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on 14 April 2026. The transfer took place at the international airport in Lagos, where he was taken into custody for onward transportation to the UK to face trial.
Police authorities described the development as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international law enforcement collaboration and ensure that individuals accused of serious crimes cannot evade justice by crossing borders. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to global policing partnerships, particularly through INTERPOL channels.
Security officials noted that the case reflects increasing cooperation between Nigerian authorities and international counterparts in tracking fugitives and addressing transnational crime, including homicide and drug trafficking networks that often operate across multiple jurisdictions.
The extradition process, which spanned several months, involved intelligence gathering, judicial review, and coordination between multiple agencies in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Authorities emphasized that due process was strictly followed throughout the proceedings, in accordance with Nigerian law and international extradition agreements.
The Nigeria Police Force further stated that the successful handover underscores its position that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for individuals attempting to escape prosecution in other countries. It also highlights the growing capacity of its INTERPOL unit to respond to cross-border criminal investigations.
The fugitive is expected to face trial in the United Kingdom on charges connected to both the alleged murder and drug trafficking offences. UK authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the court schedule or prosecutorial strategy.
Meanwhile, Nigerian law enforcement agencies say they will continue to engage in similar collaborations with international partners to track and repatriate fugitives involved in serious crimes, as part of broader efforts to combat transnational criminal activity.
The case adds to a growing number of extradition and international arrest operations involving Nigerian authorities in recent years, reflecting intensified global cooperation in addressing organized crime and ensuring accountability across borders.
For now, the suspect remains in UK custody pending formal arraignment and trial proceedings.
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