Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal High Court in Lagos has approved the extradition of Samuel Abiodun to the United States to face charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the extradition order on June 14, 2024, following an application by the Attorney General of the Federation, represented by Kehinde Fagbemi of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Nigerian government sought Abiodun’s extradition for allegedly committing wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years under United States law, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, also punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Abiodun, through his lawyer Demola Adekoya, denied the accusations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction over his extradition.
After reviewing the evidence presented, Justice Aluko determined that Nigeria was bound by the extradition treaty with the United States, signed in London on December 22, 1931, which allowed for the extradition request to be granted.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko stated, “Based on the precedent set by the apex court and the extradition treaty between the United States of America and Great Britain, which is binding on Nigeria, the application for extradition is upheld.”
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He further declared, “The application by the Attorney General of the Federation for the surrender and extradition of Samuel Abiodun to the United States of America is hereby granted.”
The court ordered that Abiodun be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending his extradition to the US. It also directed the AGF to ensure that Abiodun receives a fair trial under US law, free from prejudice based on race, religion, or nationality.
According to a certified copy of the judgment obtained by reporters, Abiodun maintained his innocence, asserting that he had never traveled to the US and had no business or personal connections there. He denied using the online persona “ALICE_D013” to engage in fraudulent activities as alleged.
Abiodun claimed that he was being unjustly targeted due to his association with someone identified only as “a friend from WhatsApp,” while conducting lawful business activities through the registered cryptocurrency platform Binance.
The extradition ruling marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Abiodun, whose case has drawn attention for its international implications and complexities.
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