Nigerian Fugitive Extradited from UAE Over $307,500 Luxury Car Shipping Scam

The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has successfully secured the extradition of a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates. The extradition, which took place on Friday, 23rd May 2025, followed months of collaborative international investigations.

Muhammed had been the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by NCB Abuja after being implicated in a high-value fraud case involving Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Forgery, and Money Laundering.

According to police investigations, the case dates back to July 2023, when an Abuja-based international businessman filed a report against Muhammed.

The suspect, masquerading as a shipping agent, allegedly lured the complainant into a deal to facilitate the shipment of ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria—vehicles collectively valued at $307,500.00.

After establishing trust, Muhammed reportedly instructed the victim to pay the full amount into a third-party FCMB account owned by one Anas Usaini, a resident of Kano. This account, according to investigators, was later used for money laundering operations in Dubai.

Muhammed allegedly issued a forged bill of lading to the complainant and subsequently vanished, becoming uncontactable. His actions triggered a cross-border manhunt that culminated in his arrest in Dubai on April 15, 2025. Following due extradition procedures, Muhammed was returned to Nigeria and will now face prosecution at the Federal High Court.

In a statement, the Nigeria Police Force hailed the extradition as a “significant success in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime.”

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, expressed appreciation for the cooperation received from international partners:

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the steadfast leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, recognises the invaluable assistance of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai in facilitating the extradition of Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, and extends its sincere gratitude.”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to global cooperation in fighting financial crimes, vowing to continue the pursuit of fugitives who “seek to exploit and defraud citizens through cross-border criminal activities.”