The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited a wanted Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates to face trial for fraud and money laundering.
Muhammed was returned to Nigeria on Friday, 23 May 2025, following a coordinated effort by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja. He was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued after an extensive investigation into allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
The case stems from a July 2023 report by an Abuja-based international businessman who alleged that Muhammed defrauded him while posing as a shipping agent. Muhammed is accused of securing a $307,500 contract to ship ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria. Investigations revealed he used a third-party FCMB account in the name of Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, to receive the funds, which were later laundered in Dubai.
After receiving payment, Muhammed allegedly issued a forged bill of lading and became unreachable. He was eventually arrested in Dubai on 15 April 2025.
He is now set to face charges at the Federal High Court in Nigeria.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the cooperation of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai. The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to international collaboration in tackling transnational financial crimes and bringing fugitives to justice.
