The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended and repatriated Acar Huseyin, a 61-year-old Turkish national who fled his country after being convicted of fraud earlier this year.
In a statement on Tuesday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the force spokesperson, said Huseyin was convicted by the Istanbul Anadolu high criminal court but fled Turkey shortly after the judgement to avoid serving his sentence of 14 years, eight months, and 10 days.
According to Hundeyin, the fugitive made his way through the Middle East before arriving in Nigeria.
“In July 2025, INTERPOL NCB Ankara published a Red Notice, requesting member countries to locate and arrest the fugitive. Acting on this request, INTERPOL NCB Abuja initiated discreet intelligence-led operations which led to his arrest in Abuja,” the statement reads.
The spokesperson added that, after completing all required documentation and working with international partners, Huseyin was repatriated to Istanbul to begin serving his sentence.
Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), commended the INTERPOL unit for what he described as a professional operation, emphasising that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives or escaped convicts.
Egbetokun further stated that the force remains committed to meeting its international responsibilities, strengthening police-to-police cooperation, and supporting global efforts to combat transnational crime.