Photo caption: Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi
A United Arab Emirates national, Abubakar Muhammed, has been extradited to Nigeria to face charges over an alleged $307,500 fraud involving the shipment of luxury vehicles.
Muhammed, who had been on the run since 2023, was arrested in Dubai on April 15 and returned to Nigeria on Friday, May 23.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, his extradition was the result of a coordinated operation involving INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja, INTERPOL Abu Dhabi, Dubai Police, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai.
Adejobi disclosed that the suspect had been the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice following a petition filed by an Abuja-based international businessman.
The FPRO added that Muhammed allegedly posed as a shipping agent and secured a deal to transport 10 high-end vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria.
After gaining the victim’s trust, he reportedly collected $307,500 in payment, which was routed through a third-party FCMB bank account in Nigeria belonging to one Anas Usaini from Kano.
“Investigations revealed that the funds were subsequently laundered through complex financial operations in Dubai,” Adejobi said.
He further stated that the suspect provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading and disappeared, prompting the police to launch an international manhunt.
Adejobi said the suspect would be prosecuted at the Federal High Court, stating, “Muhammed’s extradition marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat transnational financial crime.”
