Court Approves Extradition Of Nigerian To UK Over Suspected Murder And Drug Crimes

A Federal High Court judge in Lagos, Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji, has approved the extradition of Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face trial over alleged murder and drug-related offences. According to reports, Justice Faji delivered the ruling in suit number FHC/L/CS/416/2025, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The court found that the Attorney-General had met all statutory requirements under Nigeria’s Extradition Act for the surrender of the respondent. Court documents indicated that the extradition request followed a formal appeal from UK authorities, where Adebiyi faces charges related to homicide and narcotics offences. The request was accompanied by an authenticated arrest warrant issued by a magistrates’ court in Croydon, United Kingdom.

During proceedings, government counsel argued that Adebiyi qualifies as a fugitive under the Extradition Act and that the court’s role was to determine whether a prima facie case existed and whether legal requirements were satisfied. The defence, however, opposed the application, contending that extradition would infringe on Adebiyi’s constitutional rights to fair hearing, personal liberty, and dignity. They also argued that no fully domesticated extradition treaty exists between Nigeria and the UK, describing the London Scheme for Extradition within the Commonwealth as merely administrative and non-binding. The defence additionally cited Adebiyi’s medical condition as a reason to block his surrender.

Justice Faji struck out portions of the counter-affidavit, stating that some legal arguments were improperly presented as evidence, contrary to the Evidence Act. The court ruled that the alleged offences were extraditable under Nigerian law and that the arrest warrant and supporting documents complied substantially with statutory requirements. On treaty domestication, the judge held that the Commonwealth extradition framework had been adequately incorporated into Nigerian law through the Extradition Act. Objections based on health were dismissed, as medical evidence did not indicate that Adebiyi was unfit to travel or unable to receive treatment abroad.

The judge emphasised that extradition proceedings do not determine guilt, noting that Nigeria must uphold its international obligations and should not serve as a refuge for fugitives. Consequently, the court granted the application and ordered Adebiyi’s surrender to the United Kingdom for prosecution.