April 16, 2026 | News
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over allegations of murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
Adebiyi is accused of involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom, after which he allegedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest. He is also wanted for his alleged role in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018.
Police authorities disclosed that the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos, under the case file FHC/L/CS/416/2025. On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the provisions of the Extradition Act.
Subsequently, the Nigerian government executed a surrender warrant, leading to Adebiyi’s formal handover to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that the country does not serve as a safe haven for criminals.
He stated that the Force remains determined to collaborate with global partners to bring offenders to justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The extradition marks another significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat transnational crime and strengthen global security cooperation.
