The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the extradition of a Nigerian, Temitope Seyi Omotade, to the United States to face trial over alleged wire fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Justice Peter Lifu gave the order in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, November 12, 2026, after granting an application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Omotade is wanted by the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota in connection with a superseding five-count indictment filed on February 8, 2022.

The charges include three counts of mail and wire fraud, as well as two counts of aggravated identity theft and aiding and abetting.

According to the prosecution, the fraud-related offences carry a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment each, while the aggravated identity theft counts carry a maximum of two years each, to run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed.

The Attorney-General argued that the extradition request was supported by diplomatic notes, a sealed indictment, an arrest warrant and other necessary documents from the United States.

The Federal Government also maintained that the offences were not political in nature and that all requirements under the Extradition Act had been satisfied.

However, Omotade opposed the application, denying the allegations and urging the court to dismiss the request.

In his counter-affidavit, he argued that the documents presented against him did not establish his involvement in the alleged crimes, noting that they lacked blockchain analysis, financial transaction records, chat histories and video calls.

He also raised concerns about possible identity theft by third parties and told the court that he was undergoing specialist medical treatment for fatty liver disease and elevated liver functions.

Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu held that the Attorney-General had provided sufficient legal and documentary grounds to justify the extradition.

The judge ruled that Omotade’s medical condition did not constitute a legal barrier to his surrender, adding that the evidence before the court did not establish that extradition would expose him to grave and unavoidable medical consequences.

Justice Lifu further explained that extradition proceedings were not intended to determine the guilt or innocence of the person sought, but to establish whether the legal requirements for surrender had been met.

He said Omotade would retain the opportunity to challenge the allegations against him in accordance with the laws and procedures applicable in the United States.

The judge consequently ordered his extradition to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and dismissed his bail application, which was filed on September 16.

Omotade is expected to face trial in the United States over the allegations.