Transnational Fraud: Nigerian Fugitive Extradited from UAE Over Multi-Million Dollar Scam
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates for his involvement in a multi-million dollar transnational fraud. The extradition, coordinated by INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, was successfully executed on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Muhammed, the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, was wanted for charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering. The charges stemmed from a July 2023 complaint by an Abuja-based international businessman who was allegedly defrauded under the guise of a shipping transaction.
Investigations revealed that Muhammed posed as a shipping agent and secured a contract to handle the payment and shipment of ten luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria, valued at $307,500. He received the full amount through a third-party FCMB account registered to one Anas Usaini of Kano, which was later linked to laundering activities in Dubai.
After receiving payment, Muhammed reportedly issued a forged bill of lading and became unreachable. He was apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and has now been returned to Nigeria to face trial at the Federal High Court.
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the efforts of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for their collaboration. The Force reaffirmed its commitment to international partnerships in combating cross-border financial crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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