ABUJA – In a significant victory against transnational financial crime, the Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully extradited Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, a Nigerian fugitive, from the United Arab Emirates. Muhammed, who was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, arrived in Nigeria on Friday, May 23, 2025, to face charges of obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
The extradition marks a crucial step in bringing to justice individuals who exploit international borders for illicit financial gain. The case originated in July 2023 when an Abuja-based international businessman reported being defrauded by Muhammed. Investigations revealed that Muhammed, posing as a shipping agent, secured a contract to facilitate payments and freight ten high-end vehicles, valued at $307,500.00, from the UAE to Nigeria.
After gaining the complainant’s trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party account at FCMB belonging to one Anas Usaini, a Kano resident. These funds were subsequently laundered in Dubai. Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and became uncontactable.
Muhammed’s apprehension in Dubai on April 15, 2025, was the culmination of diligent efforts by law enforcement agencies. He will now be prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Nigeria.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the invaluable assistance provided by the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai in facilitating this extradition.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to pursue and bring to justice all individuals involved in cross-border criminal activities that seek to exploit and defraud citizens.
This successful extradition sends a strong message that there will be no safe haven for those who engage in transnational financial fraud.
