Police Extradite Murder, Drug Suspect to United Kingdom

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

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 hand over the suspect.

In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placide, said Adebiyi is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of one Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. He reportedly fled to Nigeria after the incident to evade arrest.

The statement added that the suspect is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.

Placide explained that Adebiyi was arrested on January 23, 2025, by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which extradition proceedings began at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

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

“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 Muhammed International Airport for diligent prosecution,” the statement read.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international collaboration, adding that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.