In a dramatic and closely watched operation that has captured the attention of the nation and beyond, the Nigerian Police Force has successfully extradited Benjamin Best Nnanyereugo, popularly known as "Killaboi," from Doha, Qatar, back to Nigeria. The 26-year-old socialite-turned-fugitive had been on the run since mid-2023 after being accused of brutally murdering his 21-year-old girlfriend, Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, a promising student of Lead City University in Ibadan.

The extradition, confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, took place following extensive collaboration between Nigerian law enforcement, INTERPOL, and Qatari authorities. It marks the culmination of a months-long manhunt that spanned multiple countries and continents, involving forged identities, international warrants, and intelligence-driven surveillance.

Killaboi was accused of committing the murder on July 13, 2023, at his residence located in Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos. The young woman, described by friends and family as brilliant, kind-hearted, and full of life, had visited him at his home shortly before the tragic incident occurred. Police sources revealed that after allegedly stabbing Augusta to death, Nnanyereugo fled Nigeria, beginning a months-long journey to evade justice.

After vanishing from the country, social media was stunned when the suspect posted a cryptic message confessing to the crime. In the post, he claimed that he didn’t mean to kill her and expressed sorrow, saying he acted out of a moment of rage. While some initially questioned the authenticity of the confession, others interpreted it as a desperate attempt to sway public opinion. In reality, the post did little to absolve him and only heightened the urgency of his capture.

Authorities later traced him to Sierra Leone, where he was apprehended under a false identity, “Kanu Princeton Samuel,” on October 20, 2023. He was taken into custody and was expected to be processed for deportation, but in a twist that shocked law enforcement, he escaped during a prison break at the facility in Freetown on November 26. That escape triggered renewed fears among Nigerians that justice might never be served.

Unfazed, Nigerian authorities redoubled their efforts. Working closely with INTERPOL and leveraging biometric data, intelligence agencies eventually discovered that the suspect had relocated to Doha, Qatar. There, he assumed a new identity again—this time calling himself “Toure Abdoulaye”—and obtained a fraudulent Guinean passport to mask his real identity. His arrest in Qatar was finally made possible through the efforts of INTERPOL NCB Abuja in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha. Biometric cross-checks confirmed he was indeed Killaboi, and a formal extradition request was immediately filed by the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Justice.

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, after months of diplomatic and legal procedures, Qatari authorities handed him over to Nigerian officials, who flew him back to face charges. Upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody by the Lagos State Police Command, where he will be formally arraigned and charged for the murder of Augusta.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the professionalism and commitment of the officers involved, especially those from INTERPOL NCB Abuja. He also extended gratitude to the Qatari government, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their swift cooperation and unyielding support in making the extradition successful.

“This case underscores our commitment to ensuring that fugitives who think they can escape justice by running abroad will be pursued, apprehended, and made to face the full weight of the law,” the IGP said in a statement. “There is no hiding place for those who commit heinous crimes.”

The victim’s family, who had been vocal in their call for justice, expressed cautious relief upon hearing of the extradition. Augusta’s mother, speaking through the family’s legal counsel, said the family is grateful for the efforts of the police but are still devastated by the loss. “Nothing can bring Augusta back,” she said, “but we are comforted by the knowledge that her killer will now face justice.”

Augusta, who was described by friends as exceptionally intelligent and loving, was a final-year student and had been looking forward to graduation and starting a promising career. Her brutal killing not only devastated her family but also sparked broader discussions around domestic violence and the vulnerability of young women in romantic relationships. Women's rights activists and student groups across Nigeria have used the incident as a rallying cry, calling for better laws and support systems to protect women from intimate partner violence.

Public outrage over the crime had not subsided in the months following her death. The case has remained in public discourse, particularly on social media, where Nigerians relentlessly demanded updates and action from the authorities. Many saw Killaboi’s high-profile lifestyle and alleged pattern of controlling behavior as red flags that should have raised earlier alarm. Others pointed out that his social status and wealth may have contributed to a culture of impunity—one that this extradition now seeks to challenge.

The murder trial, expected to begin soon, will undoubtedly be one of the most closely followed in recent Nigerian legal history. Legal experts predict a tough battle ahead, especially if Killaboi chooses to plead not guilty despite his prior confession. His defense team may argue diminished responsibility, mental health issues, or seek to invalidate the confession made online. However, prosecutors are reportedly confident, citing forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and digital trails that link him to the crime.

As Nigeria awaits the next phase in the pursuit of justice for Augusta, many are watching closely, hoping this case sets a precedent—that regardless of one's social class, fame, or resources, justice will be served. The successful extradition of Killaboi is more than a victory for Augusta’s family; it is a statement to all Nigerians that justice, though delayed, can be achieved through relentless effort, national collaboration, and international cooperation.