The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over allegations of murder and drug trafficking.
The operation was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja following a formal request from UK authorities in September 2024.
Police spokesperson Anthony Placide said the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives, after which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Court approval for the extradition was reportedly granted on February 16, 2026, clearing the way for his transfer to UK law enforcement officials.
The suspect is accused of involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu in 2018 and alleged supply of crack cocaine between 2017 and 2018 in the United Kingdom.
Following completion of legal procedures, he was handed over to British authorities on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation in fighting crime, stressing that the country will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
