By Mercy Adi
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest and return the suspect.
According to the police, Adebiyi is wanted over the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria. He was also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
The Force said the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja.
Extradition proceedings were subsequently initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025. On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in line with the Extradition Act.
Following the court’s ruling and the execution of a surrender warrant, the suspect was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international collaboration.
He said, “The Force remains resolute in strengthening global policing partnerships and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.”