posted 24th May 2025
Nigerian Fugitive Extradited from UAE for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
In a significant victory against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has successfully extradited Abubakar Aboki Muhammed from the United Arab Emirates on Friday, 23 May 2025. The Nigerian suspect, wanted for a multi-million dollar fraud, faces charges of obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
The case stems from a complaint lodged in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman. Muhammed, posing as a shipping agent, allegedly defrauded the complainant of $307,500. He secured a contract to arrange the freight of ten high-end vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria, misrepresenting his affiliations with registered shipping companies. After gaining the victim’s trust, Muhammed received the full payment through a third-party account at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), belonging to Anas Usaini, a resident of Kano. The funds were subsequently laundered in Dubai.
Following the payment, Muhammed provided a forged bill of lading and promptly vanished, cutting off all contact. His fraudulent activities came to light through a meticulous investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, leading to an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by NCB Abuja. On 15 April 2025, Dubai Police apprehended Muhammed, paving the way for his extradition to Nigeria, where he will face prosecution at the Federal High Court.
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, hailed the operation as a milestone in combating cross-border financial crime. The Force expressed gratitude to the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for their cooperation in facilitating Muhammed’s extradition.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working with international law enforcement to pursue and bring to justice those involved in transnational criminal activities. “This successful extradition underscores our resolve to protect citizens from exploitation and fraud, no matter where the perpetrators seek to hide,” he stated.
