The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom (UK) to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.
The request sought the location, arrest, and extradition of Adebiyi over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom.
According to the police, Adebiyi allegedly fled to Nigeria after the incident to evade arrest. He is also accused of participating in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025, Justice A.O. Faji, on February 16, 2026, granted the application for his extradition in line with the Extradition Act.
Following the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by Nigerian authorities, the suspect was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for prosecution.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
