By Chinenye Onwusonye
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking, in a move underscoring ongoing international law enforcement cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on April 16, 2026, the extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja following a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024.
Police authorities said the suspect is wanted in connection with the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he allegedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest. He is also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, in the UK between October 2017 and March 2018.
The statement noted that Adebiyi was arrested on January 23, 2025, by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja. Extradition proceedings were subsequently initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
Justice A.O. Faji, on February 16, 2026, granted the application for extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, paving the way for the suspect’s transfer.
Following the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant, the fugitive was handed over to UK 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 collaboration and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
