Kenya has extradited an Ivorian fugitive wanted in the United States for firearms smuggling, in a move that underscores the country’s commitment to upholding international law and strengthening global partnerships in the fight against organized crime.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that Bile Jean Philippe Assemian was successfully repatriated to the U.S. on September 25, 2025, following formal extradition proceedings in Nairobi.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has successfully secured the extradition of an Ivorian national wanted in the United States for conspiracy to smuggle firearms,” the ODPP stated.
Assemian had been indicted on May 28, 2025, by a Grand Jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.
The indictment accused him and his accomplices of conspiring to purchase firearms in the United States, specifically in Ohio and Maryland, between October and November 2018. Their intention was to illegally export the weapons to Côte d’Ivoire.
The United States government subsequently issued an INTERPOL Red Notice, categorizing Assemian as a fugitive wanted for prosecution.
The extradition process began when the DPP, acting through the Central Authority under the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice, received a formal request from the United States on July 24, 2025.
Acting swiftly, the Kenyan authorities initiated extradition proceedings in Nairobi the following day, on July 25.
The case proceeded through the Kenyan courts, culminating in an order issued on September 3, 2025, by the Nairobi Chief Magistrate’s Court. The ruling authorized Assemian’s extradition, clearing the way for his transfer into U.S. custody.
“On 3rd of September 2025, the Nairobi Chief Magistrate’s Court issued extradition orders, paving the way for his handover to U.S. authorities,” the ODPP confirmed.
The extradition was the result of coordinated efforts between multiple agencies and was prosecuted by senior state counsel, including Vincent Monda, Allen Mulama, Duncan Ondimu, Magdalene Nduati and Fatma Shaban.
Their involvement highlighted the depth of legal and prosecutorial resources Kenya invested in ensuring compliance with international obligations.
The ODPP emphasized that the extradition demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to fostering international legal cooperation.
“This extradition underscores Kenya’s commitment to honouring international legal obligations and strengthening cooperation with global partners in the fight against transnational crime,” the statement read.
Assemian’s extradition also serves as a warning to international fugitives that Kenya will not serve as a safe haven for individuals evading justice. By honoring the U.S. request promptly and transparently, Kenyan authorities reinforced the principle that cross-border crimes require cross-border solutions.
The ODPP reiterated its pledge to continue working with international partners to ensure that fugitives sought for prosecution in other jurisdictions are held accountable.
With Assemian now in U.S. custody, attention will shift to his prosecution in Ohio, where he is expected to answer to charges of conspiracy to smuggle firearms and related offenses.
The development comes at a time when Kenya is strengthening its legal frameworks for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and international cooperation, all geared toward combating organized crime.
As international crime syndicates grow more sophisticated, Kenya’s proactive stance in handling extradition requests demonstrates both resolve and readiness to confront such challenges alongside its global allies.