Court orders Interpol Red Notice, extradition process against UK-based radiographer over alleged cybercrime

Judicial Order and Extradition Proceedings

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a United Kingdom-based radiographer, Immaculata Ikenwankwor, be placed on an Interpol Red Notice and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) watch list. The ruling follows an application by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for her arrest and extradition to face alleged cybercrime offences in Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the ex-parte application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1507/2026, also ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody for 14 days upon her arrest. This period is intended to allow for the conclusion of investigations and potential prosecution.

That an order of this honourable court is hereby made remanding the defendant in the custody of the complainant/applicant for a period of 14 days upon her arrest, pending the conclusion of investigation of the offences she is suspected to have committed and possible prosecution. That this order granted shall become invalid 14 days after the arrest of the defendant.

— Justice James Omotosho, Judge, Federal High Court

Allegations of Cybercrime and Intelligence Reports

In an affidavit deposed to by Oluwatosin Ayoola, the police informed the court that the defendant had become unreachable following the alleged commission of the offences and is believed to be outside Nigeria. The prosecution argued that the application was necessary to prevent the defendant from eloping to another jurisdiction before she could be brought to justice.

The police alleged in a six-count charge that between January and March 2026, the defendant sent electronic messages through computer systems and WhatsApp that were "of a grossly offensive, threatening and menacing character." These actions are cited as contrary to Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024).

Beyond cybercrime, Ikenwankwor is accused of threat to life and blackmail. The prosecution stated that the offensive messages were transmitted using both Nigerian and United Kingdom telephone numbers.

Prior Conviction and Enforcement Measures

This latest development follows an earlier ruling by Justice O. A. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, who sentenced the defendant to 22 years' imprisonment on July 2 after finding her guilty of contempt of court. Justice Musa directed that upon her arrest, she should be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Facility to serve the sentence.

The court issued a bench warrant directing the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Inspector General of Police to apprehend the defendant. Furthermore, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service was ordered to place her biodata and international passport details on the National Security Watchlist and the "No Fly List" at all entry and exit points.

Justice Musa further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, to transmit the bench warrant to authorities in the United Kingdom. This move is part of the formal effort to secure the defendant's return to Nigeria to face both her existing sentence and the fresh charges.