The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has requested the extradition of journalist Azuka Jebose from the United States embassy over alleged defamation and cyberstalking of billionaire Ned Nwoko.

Peoples Gazette sighted the June 27, 2022, extradition request, with reference CAU/EXT/175/21, signed by Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Head, Central Authority Unit, and titled: “Request for the Extradition of Azuka Jebose in a Case of Cyberstalking from the United States of America to Nigeria.”

“I am directed by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to present his compliments and forward the attached request for Extradition to Your Excellency for onward transmission to the United States of America Department of Justice.”

Mr Nwoko in July 2020 sued the U.S.-based journalist who accused him of complicity in the murder of one Ogogo Blessing.

In a Facebook post, the journalist claimed Mr Ogogo’s corpse “was found floating inside the pool” of a building that belonged to the former lawmaker. 

He further accused the sacked lawmaker of using his wealth and influence to stall the investigation of the matter.

Mr Nwoko in reaction filed a lawsuit alleging defamation of character and demanded N2 billion damages including a “public apology to be published by the defendants in at least two national daily newspapers circulating in Nigeria and social media platforms.”

According to Mr Nwoko, the defamatory publications in several online blogs and other social media platforms were aimed at denigrating his reputation.

In a similar extradition matter, the Nigerian government had yet to accede to the request of the U.S. government to hand over disgraced police officer Abba Kyari, who allegedly connived with international fraudster Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas to defraud a Qatari businessman of millions of dollars.