AGF Gets Order To Extradite Fraud Suspect To US

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) leave to extradite an alleged fraud suspect, Adedunmola Gbadegesin, to the United States of America (USA) to face fraud-related charges.

Justice Daniel Osiagor made the order sequel to an application filed and argued by Dr Pius Akutah, a Chief Counsel in the Ministry of Justice.

The AGF filed the application in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/765/2021, via the Extradition Act, 2004.

Akutah told the court in the application that Gbadegesin was the defendant in a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, preferred against him by the U.S. government.

Each of the alleged offences violates Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349, with the maximum penalty of 20 years In prison.

Justice Osiagor, after hearing from Akutah and the counter affidavit filed by Gbadegesin’s counsel, held: “Original request order of Magistrate Court from the United States of America, original request letter duly signed by the Interpol and the Attorney-General of Nigeria application to release the defendant are all attached.

“I am satisfied that the applicant has been able to establish prima facie case against the respondents which warrant the prayers sought in motion papers to be considered.

“Consequently I hereby order that the respondent be remanded in the Interpol custody pending the approval of Attorney-General of the Federation for his extradition to the United States of America”.