Kingsley Ohens reporting
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has facilitated the extradition of a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to stand trial over allegations of murder and drug trafficking.
According to official information released by the Force Public Relations Office, the extradition followed a formal request by authorities in the United Kingdom in September 2024, seeking the arrest and surrender of the suspect over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on 18 June 2018, as well as his purported role in the supply of crack cocaine between October 2017 and March 2018.
The suspect was subsequently arrested on 23 January 2025 in Nigeria by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were instituted at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
On 16 February 2026, the court, presided over by Justice A.O. Faji, granted the application for extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The ruling cleared the legal pathway for his surrender to UK authorities for prosecution.
In compliance with the court order, and after the execution of the requisite surrender warrant, the fugitive was formally handed over to law enforcement officials from the United Kingdom on 14 April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international law enforcement cooperation, stressing that Nigeria will not be used as a safe haven for individuals evading justice across jurisdictions.
The Force Public Relations Office confirmed that the extradition underscores ongoing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and international partners, particularly INTERPOL, in addressing transnational crime and ensuring that suspects face prosecution in the appropriate legal jurisdiction.
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