Extradition Law and Nigeria’s Bilateral Treaty Obligations: A Focus on Economic Crime Cases

This paper examines Nigeria's extradition law framework and the operation of its bilateral extradition treaties in the context of economic crime cases, particularly those involving high-profile money laundering, fraud, and corruption suspects sought by or from Nigeria. Nigeria's extradition legal framework is governed primarily by the Extradition Act of 1966 and bilateral treaties concluded with the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, and other states. Using a doctrinal methodology, the research analyses the legal requirements for extradition under these treaties, including double criminality, the political offence exception, and the protections available to extradition subjects under Nigerian constitutional law. It examines recent high-profile cases where extradition requests involving Nigerian nationals have been contested in foreign courts and assesses the outcomes. The paper identifies a notable pattern of extradition resistance by wealthy Nigerian suspects who exploit procedural delays and invoke constitutional rights to avoid surrender to requesting states. It also evaluates Nigeria's own record in executing incoming extradition requests from foreign governments, finding inconsistencies linked to political interference. Findings suggest that Nigeria's extradition treaty network requires modernisation to address newly emerging forms of economic crime, including cybercrime and cryptocurrency fraud. Recommendations include updating the 1966 Extradition Act, negotiating modern extradition agreements with key financial crime partners, and establishing a dedicated treaty compliance unit within the Ministry of Justice. Keywords: extradition, economic crime, bilateral treaties, EFCC, Nigeria.