The federal high court in Lagos has granted an application to extradite Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to stand trial over alleged murder and drug-related offences.
Ayokunle Faji, judge of the federal high court, held that the office of the attorney-general of the federation satisfied the requirements of the extradition act.
According to Ayokunle Faji, “the applicant has met the conditions stipulated under the Extradition Act for the surrender of the respondent.
“The offences for which the respondent is sought are extraditable and are also offences under Nigerian law.”
Kupolati, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, argued that the court was not to determine guilt at this stage.
He said, “the duty of the court is to determine whether a prima facie case exists and whether the statutory preconditions for extradition have been fulfilled.”
Meanwhile, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, defence counsel, opposed the application on grounds of alleged rights violations and health concerns.
However, the court ruled that extradition proceedings do not amount to a determination of guilt and ordered that Adebiyi be surrendered to the United Kingdom for trial.
