The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over alleged involvement in murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placide, the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives.
He said extradition proceedings were subsequently initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Division.
“The suspect was arrested… following which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division,” Placide stated.
The court granted the application for extradition on February 16, 2026.
Police said Adebiyi is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of one Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria.
He is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
Following the court order and completion of legal processes, the suspect was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling crime.
He stressed that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for individuals fleeing justice.
