Best Extradition Lawyers in Nigeria

1. About Extradition Law in Nigeria

Extradition in Nigeria is the formal surrender of a person from Nigeria to another country for prosecution or punishment of crimes. The process is governed by Nigerian statutes and international treaties to which Nigeria is a party. It blends constitutional authority, statutory procedure, and treaty obligations to ensure due process and proper cooperation between jurisdictions.

In Nigeria, extradition is a federal matter that involves coordinated action among the Federal Government, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the presidential diplomacy framework. The Extradition Act provides the procedural framework for how requests are received, reviewed, and implemented. It also sets safeguards to protect the rights of the individual involved, including access to legal counsel and the ability to challenge the request in court.

Two core concepts drive most extradition proceedings: dual criminality and treaty-based cooperation. Dual criminality means the alleged offense must be illegal in both Nigeria and the requesting country, unless the treaty provides otherwise. Nigeria also relies on the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters framework to facilitate cross-border cooperation beyond surrender, such as request for documents and location of suspects.

For anyone facing an extradition matter in Nigeria, understanding the statutory text, treaty terms, and applicable human rights protections is essential. The process typically moves through formal government channels, court review, and potential appeals, with opportunities to seek temporary relief or stay of surrender where warranted.

Sources: Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria - Extradition Act overview; UNODC overview of extradition principles. See https://justice.gov.ng and https://www.unodc.org for authoritative context.

Extradition in Nigeria is governed by the Extradition Act Cap E25 and related treaties, with due process safeguards for the person involved.

Source: Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria - Extradition Act overview. See https://justice.gov.ng.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Nig nations engage in extradition based on complex legal criteria and detailed procedural steps. A qualified lawyer helps navigate strategy, safeguards rights, and manages interactions with multiple government offices.

• A Nigerian citizen is formally named in an extradition request from the United States for alleged fraud and money laundering. A lawyer can assess dual criminality, treaty provisions, and potential defenses before a Nigerian court.
• You are in custody in Nigeria and receive a formal surrender request. An attorney can file relief applications, review detention conditions, and challenge the legality of the surrender process.
• You want to oppose or delay an extradition order on human rights grounds such as risk of torture or disproportionate punishment. A solicitor can prepare evidence and legal arguments for the court to consider.
• A corporation is implicated in cross-border corruption with multiple jurisdictions. A legal counsel can coordinate with the MLA framework and treaty partners while protecting trade secrets and client rights.
• You face potential extradition to a country with the death penalty. A Nigerian lawyer will examine treaty guarantees and ensure diplomatic assurances or alternatives are explored within the law.
• You seek to challenge the process on grounds of procedural fairness or misapplication of the Extradition Act. A lawyer can file timely appeals and prepare for hearings.

Engaging a lawyer who specializes in extradition increases your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome, including staying the process, negotiating terms, or mounting a robust defense. Legal counsel can also help interpret complex documents, such as warrants, warrants of surrender, and official communications from foreign authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Nigerian legal framework for extradition combines constitutional authority, statutory acts, and international instruments. The core statute is the Extradition Act, which regulates surrender procedures, grounds for surrender, and judicial review. It is the primary reference point for practitioners and clients alike.

The Nigerian Constitution provides the authority for international treaties and executive action on extradition. It empowers the President to negotiate and enter into treaties with other states, which then guide extradition requests through domestic law. Courts interpret these treaties in harmony with the Extradition Act and related provisions.

In addition to extradition, Nigeria uses the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to facilitate cross-border cooperation such as document production, location of suspects, and other investigative assistance. This framework enables Nigeria to respond to requests from foreign jurisdictions beyond formal surrender and supports parallel investigative processes.

Recent practice shows Nigeria aligning with international norms on due process, rights to legal representation, and proportional safeguards in extradition proceedings. Practitioners should consult the official text to confirm the latest provisions and any amendments. For statutory texts, see Nigeria's official law portal and ministry resources.

Extradition requests are processed under the Extradition Act and related treaties, with due process safeguards for the person involved.

Source: Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria - Extradition Act overview; consult https://justice.gov.ng and https://www.unodc.org for contextual standards.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is extradition under Nigerian law and who decides it?

Extradition is the formal surrender of a person to another country for prosecution or punishment. The President, acting on advice from the Federal Executive, negotiates treaties and coordinates surrender in accordance with the Extradition Act.

How can I tell if I am the subject of an extradition request in Nigeria?

You would typically receive formal communication from Nigerian authorities or the Attorney-General's office. A lawyer can verify the basis of the request, identify the issuing country, and review the supporting documentation.

What documents are required to respond to an extradition request in Nigeria?

Key documents include the extradition request, accompanying affidavits or warrants, relevant case files, and any international treaties or assurances. Your counsel will advise on other evidence needed for your defense.

How long does the Nigerian extradition process usually take from start to finish?

Timeline varies by case and court workload. Typical proceedings may span several weeks to months for initial court decisions, with potential appeals extending the timeline further.

Do I need to hire an extradition lawyer in Nigeria for such matters?

Yes. Extradition involves complex procedural and substantive issues, including treaty interpretation, human rights considerations, and court advocacy. A lawyer helps protect your rights and improve your strategic position.

What is the difference between surrender, transfer, and diplomatic assurances in Nigeria?

Surrender refers to the formal handover to the requesting country. Transfer can involve related processes such as temporary custody or alternative arrangements. Diplomatic assurances are promises from the requesting country about treatment or penalties that can influence the decision.

Can Nigeria extradite a Nigerian citizen to another country?

Yes, subject to the Extradition Act, treaty terms, and due process safeguards. There are additional considerations regarding political offenses and human rights that a court will review.

How much do extradition lawyers in Nigeria typically charge for representation?

Costs vary by complexity, location, and the firm. Expect consultation fees, retainer arrangements, and hourly rates that reflect the case's duration and resources required.

What happens if I dispute an extradition order or decision in Nigeria?

You can appeal decisions to the higher courts within prescribed time limits. A lawyer can help file notices of appeal, prepare the record, and present legal arguments.

Where are extradition hearings held in Nigeria and who presides them?

Hearings are typically held in federal or state courts with jurisdiction over extradition matters. Presiding judges evaluate the compliance with statutory requirements and treaty obligations.

Is there a right to appeal an extradition decision in Nigeria?

Yes, you generally have the right to appeal to higher courts. The appeal focuses on legal errors, misapplication of law, or failure to observe due process.

Do I have options to challenge extradition on human rights grounds in Nigeria?

Yes, potential defenses include risk of torture, inhumane treatment, political offense exclusion, or disproportionate punishment. A lawyer can develop evidence and legal arguments for court consideration.

5. Additional Resources

The following official resources provide reliable information on Nigeria's extradition framework and related legal texts:

• Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria - Provides official guidance on extradition and related processes. https://justice.gov.ng
• Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation - Central point for legal advice, policy, and coordination on extradition matters. https://ago.gov.ng
• Nigerian Legislation Portal - Official texts of acts including the Extradition Act and related statutes. https://www.legislation.gov.ng

6. Next Steps

1. Confirm the basis for the extradition request by obtaining all official communications from Nigerian authorities and the requesting country. Ask your lawyer to identify treaty provisions and dual criminality implications within 7-14 days.
2. Gather your case documents, including warrants, case numbers, police reports, and any prior court decisions. Create a centralized file and share it with your legal counsel within 1-2 weeks.
3. Identify a Nigerian lawyer who specializes in extradition and schedule an initial consultation to review the strategy and potential defenses. Plan for a 2-4 week lead time for your first meeting.
4. Have your lawyer review the Extradition Act and Mutual Legal Assistance framework to assess possible grounds for defense or appeal. Expect a formal opinion within 1-3 weeks after filing.
5. Develop a defense plan with your lawyer, including possible challenges to jurisdiction, treaty interpretation, or human rights grounds. Prepare to present evidence and witness statements as needed.
6. Engage with the appropriate government offices, under counsel, to negotiate conditions or seek relief such as stays, bail, or diplomatic assurances. Timeline depends on case complexity but mid-level cases often move within 1-3 months.