The federal government of Nigeria through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has debunked reports suggesting that the government has initiated extradition proceedings against Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed leader of Biafra Government In Exile.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Mr. Fagbemi clarified that his statement at a recent event in Abuja had been quoted out of context by some media outlets.
“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.
“Ekpa, a leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently standing trial in Finland for charges filed against him by the Finnish government.”
The justice minister had explained that while there are ongoing discussions between Nigeria and Finland concerning Ekpa, no formal extradition efforts have begun.
He noted that the trial taking place in Finland is crucial in determining the next course of action.
“To set the record straight, what the AGF said during the question and answer session was that the Nigerian government had been engaging with Finnish authorities to ensure that Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions.
“He explained that since the crimes committed by Simon Ekpa were cross-border in nature, the Nigerian government eagerly awaits the outcome of the proposed trial in Finland to have an informed decision on the next step to take,” the statement added.
Fagbemi also urged newsmen to verify facts and avoid speculative narratives while reporting on the issue.
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