The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom through the assistance of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.

The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Anthony Placid, said Adebiyi would face charges related to alleged murder and drug trafficking in the United Kingdom.

The extradition followed a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest and surrender the suspect over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. Police said he fled to Nigeria after the incident.

Adebiyi is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.

He 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, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.

On February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for his extradition in line 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 prosecution.

“The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterates 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,” Placid said.