The Nigeria Police Force, through INTERPOL NCB Abuja, has successfully extradited one Abubakar Muhammed from the United Arab Emirates over allegations of financial crimes, including fraud, forgery, and money laundering.
Muhammed was handed over to Nigerian security operatives on Friday following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued after thorough investigations by the Police.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja that the case began in July 2023 when an international businessman based in Abuja reported being defrauded by Muhammed, who posed as a shipping agent.
According to the Police, Muhammed deceitfully secured a contract to handle the shipment and payment process for ten luxury vehicles valued at $307,500 from the UAE to Nigeria. He received the funds through a third-party account belonging to one Anas Usaini, a resident of Kano, which was allegedly used for laundering the money in Dubai.
After collecting the payment, Muhammed issued the complainant a fake bill of lading and then became unreachable. He was eventually tracked and arrested in Dubai on April 15, 2025.
The suspect has now been returned to Nigeria and will face prosecution at the Federal High Court, marking a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against transnational financial crime.
The statement further acknowledged the cooperation of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai in facilitating the extradition.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international collaboration in pursuing fraudsters and ensuring justice for victims of cross-border criminal activity.
