After two years of investigations, the Nigeria Police has extradited a businessman, Abubakar Muhammed, from Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) to the country over alleged fraud of $307,500 perpetrated in 2023.
Muhammed, who had been on the run since 2023, was extradited to Nigeria barely one month after his arrest in Dubai over the crime perpetrated against his fellow citizen.
According to a statement by the police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, Muhammed’s return was facilitated through a coordinated effort between INTERPOL NCB Abuja, INTERPOL Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Police, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai.
Adejobi said the suspect was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly defrauded an Abuja-based international businessman of $307,500 under the pretence of shipping luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria.
He noted that Investigations revealed that Muhammed used a third-party account in FCMB belonging to a Kano resident, Anas Usaini, to receive the funds, which were then funnelled through money laundering operations in Dubai
Adejobi said, “The case originates from a report filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman, who was defrauded by Muhammed under the guise of being a shipping agent. 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. After establishing trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party account at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was subsequently used for money laundering activities in Dubai. ”
Adejobi said Muhammed would be prosecuted at the Federal High Court.
He said, “Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and subsequently became uncontactable. He 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.”
