The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said on Thursday that the Federal Government is collaborating with Finnish authorities to extradite separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, for prosecution over alleged offences against Nigeria’s national security and sovereignty.
Fagbemi, however, noted that Ekpa will not be extradited to Nigeria until the Finnish authorities concludes his trial.
Fagbemi gave the explanation on Thursday during the quarterly stakeholders and citizens’ engagement forum held at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abuja.
He assured stakeholders that the case against Ekpa, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, would not be abandoned, adding that the government is committed to pursuing the matter to its logical conclusion once he is brought back to the country.
“Simon Ekpa’s offence is a cross-border offence. If he committed an offence there and another here, we cannot request his release until they have addressed the charges over there. After that, we can request his extradition,” Fagbemi explained.
He reiterated, “Simon Ekpa committed offences both there and here.”
The AGF underscored the ministry’s dedication to international cooperation in tackling crime, stressing that no country should serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
Highlighting recent successes, he cited the extradition of Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal and Okechukwu Josiah Odunna to the United States in January and March 2025, respectively.
He also mentioned the extradition of Benjamin Nnanyereugo, alias Killaboi, from Qatar to Nigeria in April 2025 to face murder charges for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Augusta.
On terrorism, Fagbemi revealed that the ministry successfully prosecuted 237 terrorism-related cases between December 9 and 13, 2024, securing 226 convictions.
In efforts to combat cybercrime, he announced the creation of a Joint Case Team to enhance inter-agency cooperation, streamline investigations, and improve prosecution in accordance with international standards.
Fagbemi also reported notable progress in asset recovery, including the implementation of the Proceeds of Crime Regulations, 2024, which standardises and automates asset forfeiture and management. A National Database on Asset Recovery and Management has also been developed to promote transparency.
He disclosed that Nigeria entered into an Asset Sharing Agreement with the United States on January 10, 2025, resulting in the repatriation of $52,882,018.95.
Of the total, $50m will fund the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up Project, expected to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians, while $2.88m will support counter-terrorism capacity building.
Discussions are also ongoing with other jurisdictions—including the United States, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and France—for the return of additional looted assets.
The AGF further disclosed that the Ministry is reviewing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups. Proposed amendments include tougher penalties, enhanced victim protections, and the establishment of a Victims’ Support Fund.
He revealed that six convictions had been secured for sexual and gender-based violence, including that of Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu.
To address child-sensitive justice reforms, Fagbemi said the Ministry is reviewing the Borstal Institutions and Remand Centre Act, 2004 and has drafted a Children and Youth Correctional Institutions Bill, 2004.
These reforms aim to rehabilitate and reintegrate children formerly involved in terrorist activities in accordance with international child rights standards.
He concluded by emphasising the need for collaboration with civil society, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to promote restorative justice and uphold the rights and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable populations.
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