The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face prosecution for alleged offences bordering on murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following a formal request from UK authorities in September 2024 seeking the suspect’s location, arrest, and transfer to stand trial.
According to police authorities, Adebiyi is wanted in connection with the murder of one Joshua Boadu, which reportedly occurred on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom. Investigators allege that after the incident, the suspect fled to Nigeria in a bid to evade arrest and prosecution.
In addition to the murder charge, the fugitive is also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine—a Class-A controlled substance—within the United Kingdom between October 2017 and March 2018.
Security operatives attached to INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025, after months of intelligence gathering and coordination with international law enforcement agencies. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated in Nigeria in line with established legal frameworks governing the transfer of suspects across jurisdictions.
The matter was filed before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025. After reviewing the application and supporting evidence, Justice A.O. Faji granted the request for extradition on February 16, 2026.
The court’s decision was made pursuant to the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which outlines the legal procedures for surrendering individuals accused or convicted of crimes in foreign jurisdictions.
Following the court’s approval, relevant Nigerian authorities executed a surrender warrant, paving the way for the formal handover of the suspect to UK law enforcement officials.
The extradition process was concluded on April 14, 2026, when Adebiyi was transferred to British authorities at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. He is expected to face prosecution in the United Kingdom in accordance with its criminal justice system.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational crime.
The police chief emphasized that Nigeria would not serve as a refuge for individuals seeking to escape justice, noting that the Force remains dedicated to working with global partners to track, apprehend, and extradite fugitives.
“This successful extradition underscores our resolve to ensure that offenders are held accountable, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” the IGP stated.
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders, particularly in tackling crimes such as murder and drug trafficking, which often involve networks operating in multiple countries.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, who confirmed the development in a statement issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on April 16, 2026, described the extradition as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and legal cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Security analysts have also pointed to the case as an example of Nigeria’s increasing alignment with international policing standards, particularly through its engagement with INTERPOL and adherence to due process in extradition matters.
They note that such actions not only strengthen bilateral relations but also enhance Nigeria’s reputation in the global fight against organised crime.
The extradition of Adebiyi marks another milestone in ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice and that criminal activities are effectively curtailed through both domestic enforcement and international partnerships.
As the suspect faces trial in the United Kingdom, authorities in Nigeria have reiterated their readiness to continue collaborating with global counterparts to address cross-border crimes and uphold the rule of law.
