Lagos Court Remands Nigerian Wanted in US for $1.24m Wire Fraud

Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Lawrence Olanrewaju Folawunmi, a Nigerian indicted in the United States for alleged email compromise and wire fraud totaling about $1.24 million.​ Justice Akintayo Aluko approved the detention pending extradition proceedings under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.​

Arrest and Charges

Operatives from the Interpol Unit at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, arrested Folawunmi on directives from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.​ US authorities filed charges in case number 3:21-cr-00276 on November 15, 2021, at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division, accusing him of deceiving a company into altering payment details across at least eight transactions.​ The indictment, certified by court officials and endorsed by Acting US Attorney Mark H. Wildasin and Taylor J. Phillips, seeks his surrender for these non-political offenses.​

Court Proceedings

Counsel from the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office moved the remand application, emphasizing the need to secure Folawunmi during the extradition hearing.​ Defense counsel W. Liadi did not oppose but requested time to file responses, leading Justice Aluko to order remand in Nigerian Correctional Service custody and adjourn to January 21, 2026.​ A supporting affidavit by Ekeanyanwu Oluchi Angela confirmed the US request includes all required documents and assures a fair trial without prejudice.​

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Extradition Assurances

The Federal Government stated no similar charges exist against Folawunmi in Nigeria and that extradition aligns with international obligations.​ It assured the court the offenses are serious, not trivial, discriminatory, or oppressive, and Folawunmi faces trial only for the specified crimes.​ This case highlights Nigeria’s cooperation on cross-border cybercrime amid renewed police efforts.​