May 26, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully extradited a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates over his alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar fraud.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Friday that Muhammed was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by NCB Abuja following an extensive investigation into allegations of obtaining money under false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
The extradition follows a petition filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman who accused Muhammed of defrauding him under the guise of being a shipping agent.
“Investigations revealed that Muhammed misrepresented himself to the complainant and secured a contract to facilitate payments and the shipment of ten luxury vehicles—valued at $307,500—from the UAE to Nigeria via registered shipping companies,” Adejobi stated.
After establishing trust, the suspect allegedly received full payment into a third-party FCMB account belonging to one Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was later used for money laundering operations in Dubai.
“Upon receiving the funds, Muhammed issued a forged bill of lading to the complainant and then absconded,” the statement added.
He was eventually tracked down and arrested in Dubai on April 15, 2025. Following diplomatic and law enforcement collaboration, he was extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution at the Federal High Court.
The Force described the extradition as a major win in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, appreciates the support of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for their cooperation in ensuring Muhammed’s return to face justice,” Adejobi added.
He reiterated the NPF’s commitment to working with international law enforcement partners to track and prosecute individuals involved in cross-border fraud and related crimes.
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