- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force has secured the extradition of one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over alleged murder and drug trafficking cases filed against him.
Matthew’s extradition was reportedly facilitated by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja.
He was reportedly handed over to UK authorities on Monday and placed him on flight to the European nation where he is bound to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Anthony Placid, the suspect’s extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive.
He was alleged to be involved in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on 18th June 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.
Matthew 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.
Sequel to his arrest, the suspect arraigned to court where the application for his extradition was granted after one year.
“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, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
“On 16th February 2026, Honourable 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 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for diligent prosecution.” The statement read in part.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-Genera of Police,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.