Fugitive Extradited to UK from Nigeria Over 2018 London Stabbing and Narcotics Charges

​LAGOS, Nigeria – In a significant boost to international judicial cooperation, the Nigerian government has successfully extradited a fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom. Adebiyi is wanted by British authorities to face trial for his alleged involvement in a high-profile 2018 murder and various drug-related offences.

​The extradition followed a decisive ruling by Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/416/2025, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the court held that the Nigerian government had satisfied all statutory requirements under the Extradition Act.

​The Case Against Adebiyi

Adebiyi, 25, is a primary suspect in the brutal killing of 23-year-old Joshua Boadu, popularly known as “SJ,” who was attacked on June 11, 2018, in Bermondsey, South London. Boadu was stabbed multiple times in broad daylight and succumbed to his injuries ten days later in the hospital.

​While two other accomplices were convicted for the murder in 2019, Adebiyi reportedly fled the UK, prompting a cross-continent manhunt. Beyond the murder charge, the UK’s Metropolitan Police also seek his prosecution for alleged narcotics trafficking.

​Legal Proceedings in Nigeria

During the extradition hearings, the AGF’s legal team argued that Adebiyi qualified as a “fugitive criminal” under Section 21 of the Extradition Act. To support the application, the government presented an authenticated arrest warrant issued by a Magistrate Court in Croydon, UK.

​Justice Faji, in his ruling, emphasized that Nigeria must honor its international obligations and refused to allow the country to become a “safe haven” for individuals fleeing justice. The court was satisfied that the offences for which Adebiyi is sought are recognized as crimes under both British and Nigerian law.

​Return to London

ADVERTISEMENT

Following the court’s order, Adebiyi was handed over to British detectives and arrived in London on Wednesday. He was immediately remanded in custody and appeared before the Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.

​The family of Joshua Boadu has long sought closure for the “vicious and senseless” killing. British authorities have expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the Attorney-General, marking this as a milestone in the pursuit of justice for the 2018 stabbing.