A High Court in Lagos has granted an application by the Attorney General of the Federation for the extradition of one Samuel Abiodun to the United States of America to face trial for alleged wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Specifically, the government prayed for the surrender/extradition of Abiodun to face two counts of “wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956 (h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.”
While Abiodun denied the allegations and challenged the court’s power to order his extradition, Justice Aluko found that the government provided sufficient evidence to show that Abiodun had a case to answer in America.
He maintained that the respondent misconceived the issues of the treaty between Nigeria and the United States authorising the court to grant an extradition request.
Justice Aluko held: “Leveraging on the decision of the apex court, the extradition treaty between the United States of America and Great Britain signed in London on December 22, 1931, is recognised as binding on Nigeria and enforceable in the instant case.
“Against the background of the foregoing, the sole issue in this judgment is resolved in favour of the applicant against the respondent.
“The application of the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation for the surrender and extradition of the respondent, Samuel Abiodun to the United States of America is hereby granted.
“The respondent is further committed to prison custody and shall remain in the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service to await the decision of the AGF for his surrender to the US to face his trial.
Abiodun maintained his innocence, claiming that he was being persecuted for nothing he knew nothing off.
He will remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service to await the decision of the AGF for his surrender to the US to face his trial.
