Police Extradite Fugitive to UK Over Murder, Drug Trafficking
The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has facilitated the extradition of one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive.
Adebiyi was allegedly involved in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on 18th June 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
He was also alleged to have been involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.
The suspect was arrested on 23rd January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, following which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
On 16th February 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for Adebiyi’s extradition in accordance with the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Police said that the fugitive was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, in line with the court order.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
