The Nigeria Police Force has extradited Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking, following a request by UK authorities.
Adebiyi was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution. The extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.
UK authorities had in September 2024 formally requested Nigeria to locate, arrest, and extradite Adebiyi over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. He fled to Nigeria after the incident to evade arrest. He was also alleged to have supplied crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on January 23, 2025. Extradition proceedings were 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 accordance with the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The fugitive was extradited pursuant to the court order and a surrender warrant executed by relevant Nigerian authorities.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
The statement was issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, at Force Headquarters, Abuja, on April 16, 2026.
