FG collaborating with Finnish authorities for Simon Ekpa’s extradition — AGF

The Federal Government has announced that it is actively collaborating with Finnish authorities to facilitate the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure allegedly involved in activities detrimental to Nigeria’s national security and sovereignty.The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, made this revelation during the quarterly stakeholders and citizens engagement programme held by his ministry in Abuja on Thursday.Fagbemi explained that the ongoing efforts are part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to ensure that criminals do not find safe havens abroad.

He further revealed the government’s commitment to international cooperation, referencing the successful extraditions of two fugitives in recent months.“The Federal Ministry of Justice has successfully extradited two fugitives: Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal in January 2025 and Okechukwu Josiah Odunna in March 2025 to the United States of America,” Fagbemi noted.In addition, he pointed to Nigeria’s cooperation with Qatari authorities, which resulted in the extradition of Benjamin Nnanyereugo, also known as Killaboi, who was brought back to Nigeria in April 2025 to face charges of murdering his girlfriend.



The AGF also spoke about the significant strides made in asset recovery. “Of significance is the gazetting of the Proceeds of Crime Regulations, 2024, which provides a standardised automated asset forfeiture management system,” he said.Fagbemi noted that under a bilateral agreement with the United States, Nigeria repatriated $52.

88 million from the U.S. This amount, he revealed, will largely fund the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project to provide electricity access to 17.

5 million Nigerians.Also, Fagbemi announced ongoing efforts to tackle emerging cybercrimes, revealing that a Joint Case Team (JCT) on cybercrime had been established in April 2025. This initiative is aimed at improving investigations, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring effective prosecutions in line with international best practices.

On safeguarding vulnerable groups, Fagbemi disclosed that the Ministry is reviewing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act to provide better protection for survivors and introduce a Victims’ Support Fund.The Ministry has also secured convictions in several Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, including that of Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu.The AGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable access to justice, and building a justice system that inspires confidence and delivers results for Nigerians.

“Cybercrime is a borderless offence, and our response must be equally agile and coordinated,” Fagbemi added.The post FG collaborating with Finnish authorities for Simon Ekpa’s extradition — AGF appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect..