Jonny Smyth, a twenty six-year-old murder suspect from Belfast, has agreed to be extradited back to Spain from Portugal. Officials announced today that his return is expected within approximately two weeks. Smyth appeared in court this morning in Guimaraes, Portugal, after being arrested on Tuesday at an Airbnb in Braga. His extradition hearing was held behind closed doors, which is standard procedure in both Portugal and Spain.

Smyth is wanted in Spain regarding the murder of John George, a father of two, whose body was discovered in January. He had been placed on a wanted list after disappearing following the case. Police trace his arrest to an international warrant issued by a Spanish court, and he was held in an Airbnb booking made under his girlfriend’s name.

During the proceedings, it was confirmed that Smyth did not oppose the extradition, which will result in his remand in preventive detention. Once in Spain, he will appear before an investigating judge to discuss his continued detention ahead of a probable trial.

The investigation into the murder has been extensive, with family members and friends of the victim aiding the search after John George went missing last December. Smyth’s arrest followed months of inquiries and public appeals for information on the case, which has captured significant media attention.