Interpol Extradites Nigeria's Bus Bombing Suspect

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche arriving Abuja

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, a suspected Boko Haram member who masterminded the April bombing of a bus terminal outside Abuja that killed more than 70 people, is now in custody after a "tortuous" extradition process that involved Interpol

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The Nigeria Police Force announced Tuesday that one of the suspected masterminds behind an April bus bombing is now in custody.

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche was extradited from Sudan on Tuesday, escorted by Interpol Nigeria, and landed in Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was taken into custody by Nigerian police.

Ogwuche had fled to Sudan following the April 14 bombing of the Nyanya bus terminal in the outskirts of Abuja. At least 71 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the morning rush-hour attack. 

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bus bombing.

Ogwuche, a suspected Boko Haram member, allegedly prepared, placed and detonated the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device used in the attack.

The Nigerian Police Force described the extradition process as "tortuous."

Nigeria requested and was granted an Interpol Red Notice (international wanted persons alert) for Ogwuche. 

Once located in Sudan, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan told Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble that the extradition of Ogwuche was part of Nigeria's efforts to counter Boko Haram.

A senior Interpol officer in Khartoum observed that Ogwuche's extradition is "an excellent achievement towards combating terrorist acts worldwide."