Nigerian Police Extradite Fugitive To UK Over Murder, Drug Trafficking Charges

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placide, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday via the police’s verified Facebook page.

The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.

Adebiyi was accused of involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom. Police authorities also alleged that he was part of a network responsible for the supply of crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018.

According to the NPF, the suspect fled to Nigeria after the alleged offences in a bid to evade arrest.

He was eventually apprehended on January 23, 2025, by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition, in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The police said the extradition was completed after due legal processes, with Adebiyi handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

Reaffirming the stance of the force, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives,” he said.