NPF Extradites Fugitive to United Kingdom Over Murder and Drug Trafficking Allegations
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully facilitated the extradition of Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges related to murder and drug trafficking.
The extradition followed a formal request submitted by authorities in the United Kingdom in September 2024, seeking the arrest and surrender of the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu, which reportedly occurred on 18th June 2018. Following the incident, the suspect was alleged to have fled to Nigeria to evade arrest and prosecution.
In addition to the murder allegation, Adebiyi is also accused of being involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 within the United Kingdom.
Operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on 23rd January 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025. On 16th February 2026, Honourable Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Following the court order and the issuance of a surrender warrant by the appropriate Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to law enforcement officials from the United Kingdom on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international policing partnerships and ensuring that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
16th April, 2026
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