By our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited a 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 Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 for his arrest and surrender.
Adebiyi is wanted over the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria. He is also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.
The suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja. Subsequent extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court Lagos Division. On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in line with the Extradition Act.
Following the court’s approval and the issuance of a surrender warrant by relevant authorities, Adebiyi was formally handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to international cooperation, stressing that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to strengthening global policing partnerships and ensuring that individuals accused of serious crimes are brought to justice.
