Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that the federal government has not commenced extradition proceedings against Simon Ekpa, a Biafra separatist currently facing trial in Finland.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi refuted recent media reports suggesting he confirmed the initiation of an extradition process. He explained that his comments during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja were misinterpreted.
“The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has noted media reports falsely claiming he said the federal government had started extradition efforts against Simon Ekpa,” the statement read. “This claim is inaccurate and does not reflect the AGF’s actual remarks.”
Fagbemi acknowledged the government’s concern over Ekpa’s alleged role in inciting violence in Nigeria’s South-East but said the current focus remains on diplomatic engagement with Finland.
“To clarify, the AGF stated during a Q&A session that the Nigerian government has been in contact with Finnish authorities to ensure Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions,” the statement added.
