By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a 61-year-old Turkish fugitive, Acar Huseyin, who fled his country to evade a lengthy prison sentence for fraud.
In an official signed statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that Huseyin was convicted earlier this year by the Istanbul Anadolu High Criminal Court for fraud-related offences but absconded shortly after judgment was delivered. He had been sentenced to 14 years, 8 months and 10 days imprisonment before escaping through the Middle East and eventually entering Nigeria in an attempt to avoid serving his term.
His disappearance prompted INTERPOL NCB Ankara to issue a Red Notice in July 2025, seeking assistance from member countries to locate and apprehend him. Acting on the international alert, INTERPOL NCB Abuja launched discreet, intelligence-led operations that successfully traced and arrested Huseyin in Abuja.
CSP Hundeyin further revealed that, following the completion of necessary diplomatic and legal procedures—and in collaboration with relevant international partners—the fugitive was repatriated to Istanbul, Turkey, where he will now commence his outstanding prison sentence.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the INTERPOL unit for its professionalism and swift coordination. He reaffirmed that Nigeria will never serve as a sanctuary for fugitives or escaped convicts fleeing justice from any part of the world. The IGP emphasised the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to honouring international obligations, strengthening global police cooperation and contributing actively to the fight against transnational crime.
