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The Nigeria Police Force has extradited one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He said the extradition was successfully facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.
According to the statement, the suspect was declared wanted by UK authorities over his alleged involvement in the murder of 23-year-old Joshua Boadu in 2018.
“The extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on 18th June 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest,” the statement read.
“He was also alleged to have been involved 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 23rd January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
“On 16th February 2026, Honourable Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“Pursuant to the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.”
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu reiterated 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.
