Nigeria hands over wanted Benin fugitive arrested in Ogun

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a notorious Beninese fugitive, Sunday Kotin, in Ogun State and extradited him to security authorities in Cotonou.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development yesterday in Abuja.

Kotin, who had been on the wanted list in Benin Republic, was fingered in a string of cross-border crimes, including armed banditry, arms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.

According to Hundeyin, operatives of the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol Nigeria trailed the suspect to Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, following an official request from Interpol Benin.

“Working on credible intelligence, the operatives launched a discreet operation that led to Kotin’s arrest,” Hundeyin said, adding that he was later interrogated and formally handed over to Interpol Cotonou officials.

Seven members of Kotin’s gang are already facing trial in Benin, but he had fled into Nigeria to evade arrest.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun lauded the officers involved, describing the operation as another proof of Nigeria’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.

He warned that Nigeria would not be a hiding place for fugitives.

“No matter their influence or connections, criminals will find no safe haven in Nigeria. Our duty is to protect our sovereignty, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen global security collaboration,” the IGP said.