No Hiding Place: Nigeria Police Extradite Fraud Kingpin in Dramatic Cross-Border Operation

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the successful extradition of a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that Muhammed was extradited to Nigeria on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Muhammed had been the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice initiated by INTERPOL NCB Abuja, following a detailed investigation into allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.

According to Adejobi, the suspect posed as a shipping agent and defrauded an international businessman based in Abuja, before fleeing the country. He was eventually arrested in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and has now been returned to Nigeria to face charges at the Federal High Court.

The case stems from a complaint lodged in July 2023, in which the businessman alleged that Muhammed deceptively secured a contract to handle the shipping and payment for ten luxury vehicles worth $307,500 from the UAE to Nigeria.

Investigations revealed that Muhammed misrepresented his identity to win the complainant’s trust. He received full payment via a third-party account at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident. The account was later used for suspected money laundering operations in Dubai.

After receiving the payment, Muhammed issued a forged bill of lading and became unreachable.

The Police described his extradition as a major breakthrough in tackling transnational financial crimes. Adejobi acknowledged the critical support of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai in ensuring the operation’s success.

He added, “Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working closely with international law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute individuals involved in cross-border fraud and other financial crimes.”