The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has debunked claims that the federal government has commenced extradition proceedings against Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Biafra separatist agitator.
Fagbemi made the clarification following reports that misquoted him as confirming an active extradition process against Ekpa, a key figure in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement signed by his media aide, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the AGF explained that the Nigerian government is currently in dialogue with Finnish authorities over Ekpa’s case and is awaiting the outcome of his ongoing trial in Finland.
“The attention of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has been drawn to media reports where he was erroneously reported to have said that the federal government had commenced an extradition process against Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“The report is untrue and a complete departure from what the AGF said at the Stakeholders/Citizen Engagement Forum held on Thursday in Abuja,” Ogundele added.
Ekpa, who is facing terrorism-related charges in Finland, was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024.
According to the district court of Päijät-Häme, he was remanded in prison for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda via social media, with offences traced back to 2021 in the municipality of Lahti.
Finnish prosecutors accuse Ekpa of using his online platforms to incite violence and instigate unrest in Nigeria’s south-east region. His trial is scheduled to begin in June 2025, as confirmed by his newly appointed lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus.
Fagbemi reiterated that Nigeria’s engagement with Finland is rooted in ensuring accountability but will respect the legal processes ongoing in the European country.
The AGF’s clarification comes amid a flurry of misinformation about Ekpa’s purported extradition.
A recent fact-check by TheCable’s CableCheck also debunked viral claims that a Finnish court had approved his transfer to Nigeria.
Ekpa remains a divisive figure, with Nigerian authorities linking his rhetoric to deadly enforcement of sit-at-home orders across the south-east, often accompanied by violence.
The federal government says it will continue to pursue justice within international legal frameworks.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
