The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the extradition of a man identified as Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition, facilitated by INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, followed a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite Adebiyi over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the fugitive was also allegedly involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
“The suspect was arrested on 23rd January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, following 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,” DCP Placid disclosed.
He noted that pursuant to the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.
Commenting on the development, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the NPF to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
