Interpol

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has transferred a wanted suspect, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom over alleged links to murder and drug trafficking offences.

Authorities disclosed that the extradition followed a request from the United Kingdom in September 2024. The request asked Nigerian authorities to locate, arrest, and hand over the suspect. The process was handled through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placide, explained in a statement on Thursday that Adebiyi had been declared wanted in connection with the killing of Joshua Boadu on June 18, 2018. He said the suspect allegedly fled to Nigeria after the incident to avoid arrest.

Placide also stated that the suspect faced accusations of supplying crack cocaine, described as a Class-A controlled drug, within the UK between October 2017 and March 2018.

He said, “The suspect was arrested on 23rd January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, following which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.”

The police noted that the Federal High Court in Lagos approved the extradition request on February 16, 2026, in line with existing legal provisions.

The statement added, “Pursuant to the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for diligent prosecution.”

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to cooperation with international partners. He stressed that the country would not provide refuge for individuals evading justice.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a moment of pride for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun on Tuesday received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in China.

Sergeant Tanko, who is attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), recently completed a five-year law degree in the People’s Republic of China, emerging as the best graduating student at Jiangsu Police Institute. His journey began with a year-long Chinese language course at Nanjing Normal University.

As a result of his academic excellence, Tanko was selected to deliver the valedictory speech for all international students at the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

The IGP commended Tanko’s dedication and discipline, describing his success as a testament to the potential within the Force. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in the pursuit of education and professional development.

Egbetokun also urged police personnel across the country to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by embracing self-development, adding that intellectual growth is key to the Force’s overall success.