Police Extradite Fugitive To UK For Murder, Drug Trafficking

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

The extradition followed a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest and extradite the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.

The Force PRO DCP Anthony Okon Placid also said he 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 January 23, 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 February 16, 2026,  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.

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 April 14, 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for diligent prosecution.

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.