The Nigeria Police Force has successfully extradited a high-profile fraud suspect, Abubakar Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates after he was arrested in Dubai.
Muhammed, who had been on the run since 2023, was returned to Nigeria on Friday, May 23, 2025.
His arrest on April 15 and subsequent extradition were made possible through joint efforts involving INTERPOL NCB Abuja, INTERPOL Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Police, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi provided details of the operation in a statement on Saturday.
He explained that Muhammed was placed on an INTERPOL Red Notice for allegedly defrauding an international businessman based in Abuja.
“The case originates from a report filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman, who was defrauded by Muhammed under the guise of being a shipping agent.”
“Investigations revealed that Muhammed misrepresented himself to the complainant, securing a contract to facilitate payments and freight of ten high-end vehicles, valued at $307,500.00, from the UAE to Nigeria via designated registered shipping companies.”
“After establishing trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party account at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was subsequently used for money laundering activities in Dubai.”
Adejobi stated that investigations showed the funds were funneled through this third-party account and laundered through financial networks in Dubai.
Following the scam, Muhammed reportedly provided fake shipping documentation and disappeared.
“Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and subsequently became uncontactable.”
“He was apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and has been extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution at the Federal High Court, marking a significant success in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime.”
The police have confirmed that Muhammed will be charged and prosecuted at the Federal High Court.
