The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has denied reports that the federal government has commenced an extradition process against Simon Ekpa, a leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a statement signed by Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi clarified that the reports were untrue and a departure from what he said at the Stakeholders/Citizen Engagement Forum.

Fagbemi’s Special Assistant explained that the AGF had been engaging with Finnish authorities to ensure that Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions. “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,” Ogundele said. Ekpa is currently standing trial in Finland for charges filed against him by the Finnish government.

Ogundele further stated that the Nigerian government eagerly awaits the outcome of the proposed trial in Finland to have an informed decision on the next step to take. “Since the crimes committed by Simon Ekpa were crossborder 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,” Ogundele added.

The AGF’s office appealed to the media to be circumspect and avoid reporting speculations on the sensitive matter. Ogundele emphasized the need for accurate reporting, saying the media should avoid spreading misinformation.