The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has facilitated the extradition of one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024, seeking assistance in locating, arresting, and repatriating the suspect over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. He was also accused of participating in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
According to police authorities, the suspect fled to Nigeria after the alleged crimes in an attempt to evade arrest and prosecution.
Acting on the request, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested Adebiyi on January 23, 2025, after which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for extradition in line with the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Following the court’s ruling and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant authorities, the suspect was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
He added that the Force would continue to collaborate with global law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice and transnational crime prevention.
The extradition highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to comply with international legal obligations and support global security partnerships.