Nigerian Fugitive Abubakar Aboki Muhammed Extradited From UAE Over $307,500 Fraud: Inside the Case and Police Crackdown on Financial Crimes

 

In a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational financial crime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully extradited Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, a Nigerian fugitive, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant law enforcement operation was conducted on Friday, May 23, 2025, and involved a coordinated effort between INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai.

This extradition is being hailed as a major milestone in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to clamp down on cross-border fraud, money laundering, and cyber-enabled scams that have damaged the country’s international reputation and defrauded both local and foreign victims.

What Led to the Extradition?

According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the extradition of Abubakar Muhammed was the result of an extensive investigation triggered by a formal complaint lodged in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman.

The businessman claimed that Muhammed had impersonated a shipping and freight agent. Under this false identity, he deceived the victim into believing he could facilitate the transport of ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria. The total contract value was a substantial $307,500.

“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,” the statement read.

How the Fraud Was Committed

Muhammed, according to police findings, presented himself as a credible logistics facilitator with strong connections in both Nigeria and the UAE. After gaining the trust of his victim, he instructed the businessman to make the full payment through a third-party bank account.

This account, investigators discovered, was held at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and registered under the name Anas Usaini, a resident of Kano State. Authorities believe that this account was used as a front to obscure the money trail and facilitate money laundering operations in Dubai.

The police statement detailed how Muhammed, after receiving the full amount, issued the complainant a forged bill of lading—a critical document used in international shipping to confirm the receipt and shipment of goods. However, once the victim attempted to follow up on the delivery, Muhammed became unreachable.

How He Was Tracked and Arrested

Following the submission of the complaint, the NPF escalated the matter to INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Abuja, which led to the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice. This notice enabled international law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend Muhammed once located.

He was eventually tracked to Dubai, UAE, where he was arrested on April 15, 2025, following a surveillance and enforcement operation by Dubai Police, working closely with Nigerian and INTERPOL counterparts.

From there, legal procedures for his extradition back to Nigeria were initiated and finalized within a month. The process culminated on May 23, 2025, when Muhammed was handed over to Nigerian authorities and returned home to face justice.

“The suspect 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,” said Adejobi.

A Win for International Cooperation

The extradition of Muhammed is not just a legal victory—it also symbolizes the growing strength of international partnerships in curbing financial crime and cyber fraud. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized this in his official statement:

“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.”

This successful operation also highlights the enhanced capabilities of the NPF’s INTERPOL Unit, which is increasingly playing a pivotal role in tracing and capturing fugitives abroad.

“This successful extradition marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime. The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, remains committed to collaborating with global partners to ensure that fugitives exploiting cross-border opportunities are brought to justice,” the statement read.

Charges Awaiting Muhammed

Upon arrival in Nigeria, Muhammed will be arraigned before the Federal High Court, where he is expected to face multiple criminal charges. These include:

• Obtaining Money by False Pretence (under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act),

• Forgery (under Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code),

• Money Laundering (under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act).

Legal experts note that if convicted, Muhammed could face decades in prison, along with asset forfeiture, restitution orders, and possible additional charges if more victims come forward.

Implications for Other Financial Crime Fugitives

The NPF’s successful extradition of Muhammed sends a strong warning to other Nigerian fugitives hiding abroad under the assumption that international borders will shield them from accountability. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption agenda and international commitments to combat money laundering, advance fee fraud (419), and cybercrime.

According to law enforcement analysts, this case could mark a turning point in the recovery of Nigeria’s international image, especially in business and financial circles, where perceptions of fraud have discouraged investment and trade.

“The NPF will continue to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies to pursue and bring to justice individuals who seek to exploit and defraud citizens through cross-border criminal activities,” Adejobi concluded.

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Final Thoughts

The extradition of Abubakar Aboki Muhammed represents a watershed moment in Nigeria’s war against international fraud and financial crimes. It underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and its international partners to ensure that no criminal is beyond reach, regardless of the country they hide in.

As the case proceeds through the Nigerian justice system, it serves as both a cautionary tale to would-be fraudsters and a ray of hope to victims seeking justice.

Stay with NaijaRush for exclusive updates on the court proceedings, potential accomplices, and the broader crackdown on cross-border financial crimes.