In a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational financial crime, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful extradition of a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates.
The extradition was carried out on Friday, May 23, 2025, through coordinated efforts by INTERPOL NCB Abuja and international law enforcement agencies.
Muhammed, the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, was wanted in connection with a high-profile case involving obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
According to the police, the case was initiated following a complaint filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman.
Investigations revealed that Muhammed posed as a shipping agent and fraudulently secured a contract to facilitate the shipment of ten luxury vehicles valued at $307,500.00 from the UAE to Nigeria.
The suspect received full payment through a third-party FCMB account owned by one Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was allegedly used for laundering the stolen funds in Dubai.
Upon receipt of the funds, Muhammed provided the victim with forged shipping documents before disappearing. He was eventually tracked and apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, after months of international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The Nigeria Police, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the collaborative efforts of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for their roles in ensuring the fugitive’s return to Nigeria.
Muhammed is expected to face prosecution at the Federal High Court as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on cross-border fraud and economic crimes.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the extradition in a press release issued on Saturday, May 24, 2025, emphasised the commitment of the Nigeria Police to continue working with global partners to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in international criminal enterprises.
