The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 for the arrest and transfer of the suspect.
According to the NPF, Adebiyi is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of one Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom. He was also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 before fleeing to Nigeria to evade arrest.
Police operatives arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division. In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025, Justice A.O. Faji, on February 16, 2026, granted the application for his extradition in line with the Extradition Act.
Following the court’s approval and completion of all legal processes, the fugitive was formally handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international collaboration in tackling transnational crimes. He stressed that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminals seeking to evade justice.
The Force also reiterated its resolve to continue working closely with global law enforcement agencies to ensure fugitives are brought to justice, regardless of borders.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on April 16, 2026.
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