Nigeria Extradites Fugitive Wanted for Murder and Drug Trafficking to United Kingdom

Nigerian authorities have extradited a man identified as Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom over allegations bordering on murder and drug trafficking.

The extradition was executed through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja following a formal request from UK authorities, who had been tracking the suspect since 2024.

Adebiyi is accused of being involved in the killing of Joshua Boadu in June 2018 in the United Kingdom, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria in an attempt to avoid prosecution.

He is also alleged to have participated in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 while in the UK.

Security officials confirmed that he was arrested in Abuja in January 2025 by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after intelligence-led operations led to his location.

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court in Lagos Judicial Division, where the case was heard under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.

In February 2026, the Federal High Court granted the extradition request, authorising his transfer to UK authorities in line with legal provisions governing international cooperation.

He was formally handed over to British law enforcement officials on 14 April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for continued investigation and prosecution.