Police, INTERPOL Secure Extradition of Nigerian From UAE in $307,500 Fraud Case

By Achimi Muktari

In a major breakthrough in the fight against international financial crime, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL and UAE authorities, has successfully extradited a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from Dubai over an alleged $307,500 luxury vehicle shipping scam.

The suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and was flown back to Nigeria on Friday, May 23, where he now faces prosecution at the Federal High Court.

According to Force Headquarters spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Muhammed became the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice following a high-stakes investigation into money laundering, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence.

The case began in July 2023 when an Abuja-based international businessman filed a report against Muhammed. The victim claimed that Muhammed posed as a shipping agent, offering to facilitate the purchase and transportation of ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect misrepresented himself and convinced the victim to transfer the entire sum—$307,500—into a third-party FCMB account under the name Anas Usaini, a resident of Kano,” police said.

But it didn’t end there. According to investigators, the money was laundered through Dubai-based transactions, and the shipping documents given to the victim—including the bill of lading—turned out to be forged.

Once the cash landed in the suspect’s control, he vanished, cutting off all communication with the complainant.

After months of collaboration, the Nigeria Police, through INTERPOL NCB Abuja, worked closely with Dubai Police, INTERPOL Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General to bring Muhammed to justice.

“This is a strong message to fraudsters,” said Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. “You may run across borders, but you can’t escape justice.”

He noted that this case represents a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to dismantle transnational financial crime syndicates

This isn’t an isolated case. Just days earlier, the Nigeria Police (INTERPOL) arrested two high-profile suspects involved in cyber and investment fraud totaling over $210,000 and ₦452 million. The suspects—Robert Harms, a Canadian, and Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a Nigerian—were both wanted for complex cyber-financial scams.

According to the Force, these developments highlight the increasing sophistication of cross-border scams and Nigeria’s growing commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.

Muhammed will face trial at the Federal High Court, where he’s expected to be charged with multiple counts of fraud, forgery, and money laundering.

As the global economy becomes more interconnected, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its stance: “Financial criminals will be hunted, no matter where they hide.”