Nigerian loses court battle against extradition to US
A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the extradition of Nigerian national Temitope Seyi Omotade to the United States, where he is wanted to face trial over alleged fraud and identity theft.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the request by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), ruling that the Nigerian government had satisfied the legal requirements for his surrender.
Omotade is facing a five-count indictment before the US District Court for the District of Minnesota. The charges include mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, he faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the first three counts and an additional two years on each of the identity theft charges.
Opposing the extradition, Omotade denied the allegations, arguing that the evidence presented by the US authorities did not establish his involvement in any criminal activity. He also questioned the reliability of the documents submitted in support of the request and suggested that his identity might have been misused by third parties.
His lawyer further told the court that Omotade was receiving specialist treatment for fatty liver disease and elevated liver enzymes, warning that extradition could worsen his health.
However, Justice Lifu ruled that the medical evidence did not establish that transferring him to the US would expose him to serious and unavoidable health risks. He also noted that adequate medical facilities were available in the requesting country.
The judge stressed that extradition proceedings were not meant to determine whether a suspect was guilty or innocent but to establish whether the legal conditions for surrender had been met.
He found no evidence that the request was politically motivated or intended to persecute Omotade on account of his race, religion, nationality or political beliefs.
Consequently, the court ordered his extradition to the US to answer the charges against him. It also dismissed his bail application filed on September 16.
Omotade will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations before the American court.