The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has got the nod of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to extradite Samuel Abiodun to the United States of America to face trial for alleged wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Both offences carry a 20-year jail term.
Justice Akintayo Aluko gave the order on June 14, following AGF’s application filed and argued by Kehinde Fagbemi of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Federal Government prayed for surrender/extradition of Abiodun, the respondent, to face two counts: “Wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C), Section 1343, carrying a maximum 20-year imprisonment. Count 2: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C), Section 1956 (h), carrying a 20-year imprisonment”.
Abiodun, through his counsel, Demola Adekoya, denied the allegations, and challenged, among others, the court’s power to order his extradition.
But, evaluating the evidence against him, Justice Aluko said the Federal Government had sufficient evidence to show Abiodun had a case to answer in America.
He noted 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 the decision of the Supreme Court, the extradition treaty between United States and Great Britain signed in London on December 22, 1931, is binding on Nigeria and enforceable in the case.
“Against this background, the issue is resolved in favour of the applicant against the respondent.
“To this end, there is merit and substance in the application. Judgment is entered for the applicant.
“The application of the Attorney General of the Federation for the surrender and extradition of the respondent, Samuel Abiodun, to the United States is hereby granted.
“The respondent is further committed to prison custody and shall remain in Nigerian Correctional Service to await decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation for his surrender to United States to face his trial…’’
