The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.

The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024. The suspect was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018, after which he reportedly fled to Nigeria to evade arrest.

Adebiyi is also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom.

Police authorities disclosed that the suspect was arrested on January 23, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.

Delivering judgment on February 16, 2026, Justice A.O. Faji approved the extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Subsequently, the fugitive was handed over to UK law enforcement officials on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos for prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international collaboration and ensuring that the country does not become a safe haven for criminal suspects.