Police Extradite Nigerian Fugitive from UAE Over $307,500 Fraud
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL and law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has successfully secured the extradition of a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, over a multi-million-dollar international fraud scheme.
According to a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, the suspect was extradited to Nigeria on Friday, May 23, 2025, following his arrest in Dubai on April 15. His extradition marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle transnational financial crime.
Muhammed had been declared wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja. The action followed an extensive investigation into alleged offenses bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
The case dates back to July 2023, when an Abuja-based international businessman reported that he had been defrauded by Muhammed, who posed as a shipping agent. Muhammed allegedly secured a contract to facilitate the payment and shipment of ten luxury vehicles—worth $307,500—from the UAE to Nigeria using what were supposed to be legitimate shipping companies.
Read Also:
Police investigations revealed that after gaining the victim’s trust, Muhammed received the payment through a third-party account domiciled at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and operated by one Anas Usaini, a Kano resident. The funds were then funneled through various channels as part of an elaborate money laundering scheme in Dubai.
To further deceive the complainant, Muhammed issued a forged bill of lading before disappearing and becoming unreachable.
The suspect is now in Nigeria and will be arraigned before the Federal High Court to face charges related to the fraudulent transaction.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed appreciation to the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for their collaborative roles in facilitating the extradition. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police to international law enforcement cooperation aimed at tracking down and prosecuting individuals involved in cross-border criminal activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to partner with global agencies to bring justice to victims of fraud and other transnational crimes,” the statement added.
The Force emphasized that the extradition sends a strong message to fraudsters exploiting international jurisdictions to escape justice.
By PRNigeria
