EXTRADITION ACT
Act · Security
An Act establishes a legal framework for extraditing fugitives between Nigeria and other countries through treaties. It targets individuals hiding from justice and involves law enforcement in proceedings. This advances international cooperation in criminal matters.
EXTRADITION ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act providing the legal framework for the extradition of fugitive criminals between Nigeria and other countries, enabling international cooperation in bringing offenders to justice. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act; Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; bilateral extradition treaties between Nigeria and requesting states; UN Model Treaty on Extradition
Fugitives sought by foreign governments hiding in Nigeria Foreign nationals sought by Nigeria hiding abroad EFCC, Police, and AGF in extradition proceedings Federal High Court handling extradition applications
Who Does It Target?
Fugitive criminals sought by foreign states for extradition to stand trial. Nigerian citizens or foreign nationals whose extradition is requested from Nigeria. The Attorney-General of the Federation administering extradition requests. Magistrates, High Courts, and the judiciary processing extradition proceedings.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Enable Nigeria to surrender fugitive criminals to requesting states and request the return of Nigerian fugitives, advancing international criminal justice cooperation.
Key Features
Bilateral Extradition: Gives effect to bilateral extradition treaties between Nigeria and foreign states. Extraditable Offences: Defines the categories of offences for which extradition may be sought or granted. Court Process: Requires a Federal High Court hearing before extradition is ordered. Defences: Provides grounds on which extradition may be refused including political offences and double jeopardy.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: International criminal justice cooperation Beneficiaries: Justice system; crime victims Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Extradition requests must come through diplomatic channels (embassy to Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Persons subject to extradition proceedings may seek legal representation Right to apply for habeas corpus if detained pending extradition Application method: Extradition requests: Ministry of Foreign Affairs to AGF to Federal High Court.
Important Terms
Extradition may be refused where the offence is of a political nature Nigeria will not extradite its own citizens to countries that do not offer reciprocity Extradited persons may only be tried for the offence specified in the extradition request
Official Resources
Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation
Legal Framework
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act; Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; bilateral extradition treaties between Nigeria and requesting states; UN Model Treaty on Extradition