Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended and repatriated a 61-year-old Turkish national, Acar Huseyin, who fled his country after being convicted of fraud earlier this year.
Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.
He explained that Huseyin, who was sentenced by the Istanbul Anadolu High Criminal Court, escaped Turkey shortly after the ruling in an attempt to evade a prison term 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.
Hundeyin confirmed that Huseyin has now been repatriated to Istanbul to begin serving his sentence, following the completion of all required documentation and cooperation with international partners.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the INTERPOL unit for its professionalism, emphasising that Nigeria would not serve as a refuge for fugitives or convicted criminals. Egbetokun reiterated the Force’s commitment to its international responsibilities, strengthening police-to-police collaboration and supporting global efforts to combat transnational crime.
