Nigeria has extradited Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges for the 2018 murder of Joshua Boadu and Class-A drug trafficking after a multi-year manhunt.
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face trial for murder and drug trafficking. The transfer took place on April 14, 2026, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, following a surrender warrant executed by Nigerian authorities. Adebiyi is accused of involvement in the June 2018 killing of Joshua Boadu and the distribution of crack cocaine in the UK between 2017 and 2018 before fleeing to Nigeria to evade arrest.
The extradition process began in September 2024 when British authorities formally requested Nigeria’s assistance in locating the fugitive. Operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja apprehended Adebiyi on January 23, 2025. Following his arrest, a legal battle ensued at the Federal High Court in Lagos, culminating in a February 2026 ruling by Justice A.O. Faji, who granted the extradition application in accordance with the Nigerian Extradition Act.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the force’s commitment to international security collaboration, emphasizing that Nigeria will not serve as a sanctuary for international criminals. The NPF highlighted that this successful operation is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen ties with global law enforcement agencies. Adebiyi is now in the custody of UK officials, where he is expected to face diligent prosecution for his alleged crimes.
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