FG Targets Mamu, Ekpa for Extradition After Publishing Terror Financing List

The Federal Government has moved to begin extradition proceedings against individuals named in a newly released terrorism financing list, including Tukur Mamu and Simon Ekpa.

The development follows the publication of a list of 48 individuals and groups by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, which authorities allege are linked to the funding of terrorist activities across the country.

The list was released shortly after the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation concluded the ninth phase of mass trials involving more than 500 suspects connected to the Boko Haram insurgency. The proceedings, held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, resulted in 386 convictions over four days, with 10 judges presiding.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, who led the government’s legal team, said the convictions were intended to reinforce accountability and deter terrorism-related crimes. Courts handed down sentences ranging up to life imprisonment and directed that some convicts undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes.

Among those listed by the government are three already proscribed groups—the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansaru, and Islamic State West Africa Province.

Simon Ekpa, a separatist figure convicted in Finland in September 2025 on terrorism-related charges, also appears on the list. Finnish authorities found him guilty of supplying weapons and promoting violence through online platforms. Nigerian officials are now exploring legal options to secure his return.

Tukur Mamu, another prominent name, is currently facing a 10-count terrorism charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja. His trial is set to enter the defence stage later this month. Prosecutors allege that Mamu acted as an intermediary during the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping, collecting ransom payments on behalf of Boko Haram.

According to court filings, he allegedly received $420,000 and N21 million from victims’ families, as well as additional payments, which authorities claim were linked to terrorist operations. He was arrested in Egypt in 2022 and later transferred to Nigeria with the assistance of Interpol.

The government has indicated that efforts are underway to repatriate suspects outside the country, signalling a broader push to strengthen enforcement against terrorism financing networks.

The published list also includes dozens of other individuals accused of supporting extremist activities, though authorities have not yet disclosed specific actions against each of them.