POLICE HAND OVER MURDER, DRUG SUSPECT TO UK AUTHORITIES

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over his alleged involvement in murder and drug trafficking.

The Force said the extradition was executed through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja following a formal request from UK authorities in September 2024 to trace, arrest, and extradite the suspect.

In a statement on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placide, said the suspect was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria to avoid arrest.

He added that Adebiyi is also accused of being involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.

Placide said, “The suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.”

According to the statement, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the extradition application on February 16, 2026, in accordance with legal provisions.

It further stated, “Following the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was officially handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officers on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for prosecution.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Force to international cooperation.

He also stressed that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.