The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking, in a move underscoring its commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.
The extradition was coordinated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024. The suspect is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
In addition to the murder charge, Adebiyi is accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.
Police operatives arrested the fugitive on January 23, 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos. In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for extradition on February 16, 2026, in line with the Extradition Act.
Following the court’s approval and the execution of a surrender warrant, Adebiyi was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to strengthen international police cooperation and ensure that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for fugitives.
The NPF emphasized that the successful extradition reflected its dedication to upholding justice and supporting global efforts to combat transnational crime.
