Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has debunked reports claiming that the Nigerian government has initiated extradition proceedings against Simon Ekpa, a self-styled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Fagbemi, the reports circulating in the media are “untrue and a complete departure” from his actual remarks during a recent stakeholder forum in Abuja.
This information was contained in a press statement on Friday, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele.
Speaking during a question and answer session at the Stakeholders/Citizen Engagement Forum held on Thursday, the AGF clarified that the Nigerian government has not begun any extradition process against Ekpa, who is currently facing trial in Finland for charges filed by the Finnish government.
“What I said was that the Nigerian government had been engaging with Finnish authorities to ensure that Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions,” Fagbemi stated.
The Minister emphasized the cross-border nature of the alleged crimes and said Nigeria is closely monitoring the trial process abroad. “We eagerly await the outcome of the proposed trial in Finland to have an informed decision on the next step to take,” he explained, suggesting that further legal actions may depend on how the Finnish case proceeds.
Fagbemi’s office also called on the media to exercise caution in reporting on the matter, urging journalists to avoid speculation and misinformation.
“The AGF appeals to the media to be circumspect,” said Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF.
