A fugitive wanted for murder and drug trafficking in the United Kingdom has been extradited from Nigeria, marking a significant move in cross-border crime enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force.
The suspect, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, was handed over to UK authorities after being tracked and arrested through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja. His extradition follows a formal request submitted by British authorities in September 2024.
Police say Adebiyi is accused of murdering Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, before fleeing to Nigeria to evade arrest. He is also alleged to have been involved in supplying crack cocaine—a Class A controlled substance—between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
According to Force spokesperson Anthony Placide, the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, after intelligence-led operations by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja. Legal proceedings for his extradition were subsequently initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court approved the extradition request in February 2026, paving the way for his transfer. Following the ruling and completion of legal requirements, Adebiyi was officially handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Authorities say the move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation, particularly in tackling serious crimes that cross borders.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reiterated that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for criminal suspects seeking to escape justice abroad.
The case highlights growing collaboration between Nigerian authorities and global partners in tracking fugitives, with officials stressing that similar operations will continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and accountability.
