The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.
The extradition was coordinated through the Interpol National Central Bureau Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.
The request sought the arrest and transfer of Adebiyi over his alleged involvement in the killing of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on Thursday, the suspect was also accused of supplying crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018.
Police operatives apprehended Adebiyi on January 23, 2025, following his arrest, extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court in Lagos under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji approved the extradition request in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
READ ALSO: FG Not Pursuing Simon Ekpa’s Extradition — AGF
The suspect was officially handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, where he was transferred for prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s dedication to strengthening international policing partnerships.
He emphasised that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for individuals fleeing justice.
The extradition highlights ongoing cooperation between Nigerian authorities and their international counterparts in tackling transnational crime and ensuring accountability across borders.