April 16, (THEWILL) — In a major boost to international law enforcement collaboration, the Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition, facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is not used as a safe haven for individuals fleeing justice across international borders.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, said Adebiyi’s extradition followed a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024, seeking his arrest and transfer over his alleged involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. Investigations indicate that the suspect fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident in a bid to evade arrest.
Beyond the murder allegation, Adebiyi is also accused of participating in the supply of crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, within the United Kingdom between October 2017 and March 2018. The dual charges place the case within the category of serious transnational crimes, further necessitating coordinated international action.
Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025, after months of intelligence-driven tracking and surveillance. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were promptly initiated at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
Delivering judgement on February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for Adebiyi’s extradition, affirming that the request met all legal requirements under the Extradition Act. The ruling paved the way for the final transfer process in compliance with both Nigerian law and international legal frameworks governing extradition.
In execution of the court’s directive and a duly issued surrender warrant, Nigerian authorities formally handed over the fugitive to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering resolve to deepen international policing partnerships and combat cross-border criminality. He emphasised that the Nigeria Police will continue to work closely with global partners to track, apprehend, and extradite fugitives who attempt to exploit jurisdictional boundaries.
“This successful extradition demonstrates Nigeria’s firm stance against impunity and its readiness to uphold international justice obligations”, the IGP stated, noting that such collaborations are vital in tackling organised crime, narcotics trafficking, and violent offences.
Disu reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force will sustain its momentum in pursuing justice, both domestically and internationally.
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