Nigeria Extradites Murder, Drug Trafficking Suspect to UK as IGP Disu Vows No Safe Haven for Fugitives
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking, in a move authorities say underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Anthony Okon Placid Force Public Relations Officer.
According to the police, the extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and return the suspect.
Adebiyi is accused of involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest. He also faces allegations of supplying crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
Police disclosed that the suspect was apprehended on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja, triggering legal proceedings that culminated in his extradition.
On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji of the Federal High Court, Lagos, granted the extradition request in line with the Extradition Act (Nigeria ), paving the way for his transfer to UK authorities.
Following the court order and the issuance of a surrender warrant, the fugitive was formally handed over to British law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to deny safe haven to criminal elements.
“Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives. We remain committed to strengthening international police collaboration and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice wherever they may be,” he said.
The police noted that the successful extradition reflects the effectiveness of cross-border intelligence sharing and legal cooperation, as well as Nigeria’s adherence to global standards in combating transnational crime.
