By George OPARA
Police in Nigeria through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, NCB, Abuja, said it has extradited of one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom for alleged murder and drug trafficking.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement said the extradition was in compliance with a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on 18th June 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
The suspect was not only accused of murder and drug trafficking but also allegedly involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.
It was added in the statement that 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 Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
But on 16th February 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Pursuant to the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the Police said that the fugitive was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for diligent prosecution.
Details of the statement even said IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu had reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for escapees.
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