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Court Remands Suspect Over $1.25m US Wire Fraud Extradition Request

Published

1 month ago

December 25, 2025

Lawrence Olanrewaju Folawunmi

Court Remands Suspect Over $1.25m US Wire Fraud Extradition Request

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Lawrence Olanrewaju Folawunmi in connection with a $1.25 million wire fraud investigation in the United States, following an extradition request by American authorities.

Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the remand order on Tuesday, December 23, after reviewing an application filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) under Nigeria’s Extradition Act. The court directed that Folawunmi remain in custody throughout the extradition proceedings.

According to court filings, US authorities are seeking Folawunmi’s extradition to face charges of wire fraud, email compromise fraud, and aiding and abetting, involving about $1.25 million (over ₦1.8 billion) allegedly stolen through a sophisticated cybercrime scheme.

Folawunmi was arrested in Lagos by operatives of INTERPOL, attached to the National Central Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Alagbon-Ikoyi, following directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Police sources said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to curb international cybercrime through intelligence-driven operations and global cooperation.

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Court documents revealed that a grand jury of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division, indicted Folawunmi on November 15, 2021. US prosecutors alleged that he orchestrated fraudulent payment redirections across multiple transactions.

The indictment claimed that the suspect deceived a business entity into altering its payment details on at least eight occasions, diverting approximately $1.25 million into accounts linked to the fraud.

During proceedings, counsel from the AGF’s office argued that Folawunmi’s remand was necessary to ensure his availability for the extradition hearing. His lawyer, W. Liadi, did not oppose the application but requested an accelerated hearing date to enable the defense respond.

Justice Aluko granted the request and ordered Folawunmi’s detention at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility, adjourning the matter to January 21, 2025, for hearing.

In a supporting affidavit, the Federal Government confirmed that the US had submitted all required documents for the arrest and extradition of the suspect. The affidavit stated that the offences were non-political, that the request was not intended to persecute Folawunmi on the basis of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion, and that he would be accorded fair trial rights in the US.

It also noted that there are no pending criminal charges against Folawunmi in Nigeria, that the alleged offences meet the legal threshold for extradition, and that the request complies with Nigeria’s international legal obligations.

Court Remands Suspect Over $1.25m US Wire Fraud Extradition Request

Related Topics:extradition suspect US wire fraud

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

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55 minutes ago

January 24, 2026

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The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

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During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

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Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

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1 hour ago

January 24, 2026

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Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

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Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

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DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

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2 hours ago

January 24, 2026

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President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

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The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

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