In a significant victory against transnational financial crime, the Nigeria Police Force has extradited Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, a Nigerian fugitive, from the United Arab Emirates.
The extradition was successfully carried out on Friday, May 23, 2025, through the efforts of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, working in concert with international law enforcement agencies.
Muhammed was wanted for charges including obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering. The case followed a complaint filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman, who accused Muhammed of fraudulently posing as a shipping agent and collecting over $307,500 under false pretences.
According to police reports, Muhammed had assured the victim of handling the shipment of ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria. He allegedly secured full payment through a third-party account at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), registered to one Anas Usaini of Kano State. The funds were reportedly laundered through financial channels in Dubai.
To further deceive the victim, Muhammed issued a forged bill of lading before cutting off all communication. He was later apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, following the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice, and was returned to Nigeria to face prosecution at the Federal High Court.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, commended the collaboration between Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai, which facilitated the extradition.
“This successful extradition marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime,” the statement read. “The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, remains committed to working with global partners to ensure that fugitives exploiting cross-border opportunities are brought to justice.”
Muhammed is expected to face multiple charges under Nigeria’s laws on fraud and money laundering.
What you should know
Abubakar Muhammed’s extradition highlights Nigeria’s increasing cooperation with international agencies to crack down on cross-border fraud. He is now set to stand trial for his role in a high-profile scam involving over $300,000.
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