Police extradite murder, drug suspect to UK

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

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

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

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He added that Adebiyi was also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.

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Placide stated, “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.”

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According to the statement, the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, granted the application for extradition on February 16, 2026, in line with the provisions of the law.

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It added, “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 Muhammed International Airport for diligent prosecution.”

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

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He added that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.

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