Court Okays Suspect’s Extradition To U.S

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s request to extradite to the United States (U.S) a Nigerian, Lawal Olaniyi Babafemi, suspected to be a member of the terrorist organisation, al-Qaeda.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed granted the application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and argued by Mr Muslim Hassan, the Head, Central Authority Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice.

The AGF explained that the application followed a request by the U.S. authorities through its Embassy in Nigeria.

Justice Mohammed ordered that Babafemi, also known as “Abdullah” and “Ayatollah Mustapher”, be sent to the U.S. within 15 days. He is to remain in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) until his extradition.

Justice Mohammed said: “The respondent, Lawal Olaniyi Babafemi (aka Abdullah Ayatollah Mustapher), is not contesting these proceedings, which are meant to extradite him to the United States of America.

“The respondent’s solicitor only urged the court to take into account the fact that the respondent has been in the custody of the SSS for over 24 months and that the respondent has cooperated with the local authorities in Nigeria.

“Since there is no form of any objection by the respondent, Lawal Olaniyi Babafemi (aka Abdullah Ayatollah Mustapher), to the application for his extradition, this court is satisfied that the application by the Attorney-General for the extradition of the respondent to the United States of America is proper and in accordance with the Extradition Act 2004.

“An order is hereby made that the respondent in this case, Lawal Olaniyi Babafemi (aka Abdullah Ayatollah) be extradited to the United States of America to face the indictment against him.”