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

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