Police extradite murder suspect to UK

By Damilare Adeleye

The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has extradited Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024. The request sought to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.

The Nigerian national 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, following which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division," the spokesperson disclosed. On February 16, 2026, Honourable Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the Extradition Act.

Following the court order, the fugitive was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.

On his part, 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.