Posted by Sesan Olufowobi on
There are indications that Lagos businessman, Akindele Ikumoluyi a.k.a. Ile Eru, may be extradited to the United Kingdom as soon his ongoing trial in Nigeria on drug charges is concluded.
There are indications that Lagos businessman, Akindele Ikumoluyi a.k.a. Ile Eru, may be extradited to the United Kingdom as soon his ongoing trial in Nigeria on drug charges is concluded.
He may also face trial in the United States of America
Ikumoluyi, who was the toast of Fuji musicians in the South-West, is currently facing a two-count charge of drug trafficking and money laundering at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Saturday Punch gathered during the week that narcotics officials from the US and the UK were trying to secure his extradition from Nigeria.
This was based on the conviction that at least 20 drug traffickers allegedly connected to Ikumoluyi are currently serving jail terms in both the US and the UK.
Confirming the possibility of extradition, spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr Jonah Achema, said the agency had been approached by narcotics officials from both countries, adding, 'We have nothing against it."
Achema said the NDLEA was more concerned about securing Ikumoluyi's conviction in Nigeria, 'then after he might have served his prison sentence here, he can then go to either the UK or the US, whichever comes first."
On why both western nations were commencing extradition proceedings ahead of the conclusion of Ikumoluyi's trial, Achema said, 'Extradition processes take time before they can be completed. And even if they (UK and US) have it now, they can wait."
SATURDAY PUNCH, June 03, 2006