George Udeozor V. Federal Republic Of Nigeria (2007)

LawGlobal-Hub Lead Judgment Report

DONGBAN-MENSEM, J.C.A.

On 9th June, 2004, the then Attorney-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signified to the trial court, by an order under his hand, that a request had been made to his office for the extradition of the appellant. The signification was made pursuant to the Extradition Act, Cap. 125, LFN, 1990. The request was made by the diplomatic representative of the Embassy of the United States of America Abuja, for the surrender of Mr. George Chidebe Udeozor, the appellant.

The documents accompanying the request for surrender indicate that the appellant had been charged in the United States District of Maryland, with the offences of:-

1. Conspiracy to

(a) Commit involuntary servitude,

(b) Harbor an illegal alien, and

(c) Encourage an illegal alien to come to, enter and reside in the United States. Also involuntary servitude and harbouring an illegal alien for financial gain at the United States District of Maryland.

The request was also accompanied by the following documents:

(i) Original copy of a letter of certification; with seal; by the United States of America Department of State dated 17th day of December, 2003;

(ii) Original copy of a letter of certification; with seal; by the United States Department of Justice dated 17th day of December, 2003;

(iii) Original copy of a letter of certification; by Ernestine B. Gilpin dated 17th day of December; 2003;

(iv) Original copy of an affidavit in support of Request for extradition of George Chidebe Udeozor deposed to by Seth Rosenthal on the 12th day of December; 2003; and attached with the under mentioned exhibit.

(a) Exhibit 1:- A certified true copy of superseding indictment dated 12th November; 2003.

(b) Exhibit 2:- A certified true copy of a warrant of arrest dated 12th November, 2003.