The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned seven key commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), all allegedly linked to Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, on terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to statement signed by the Services Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications Favour Dozie, the suspects are facing charges in three separate cases—FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—filed on 19 November. They are accused of receiving funds and other material support from Ekpa and foreign collaborators to carry out attacks in the South-East.
Among them is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, described as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic and an unlicensed Bureau-de-Change operator. He is accused of facilitating terrorism financing by receiving and disbursing significant sums for Ekpa-led operations.
According to the DSS, the accused persons served as IPOB commanders, arms couriers, arms dealers, Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives and foot soldiers operating under Ekpa’s direction. Ekpa is currently serving a six-year sentence in Finland for terror-related offences.
The DSS also announced the successful conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, identified as a leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). He was found guilty of coordinating the 2012 attacks on the Kano Police Headquarters in Bompai and other critical facilities. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on 18 November, sentencing him to 15 years on one count and 20 years each on three other counts, to run concurrently.
Further ongoing prosecutions include cases against two internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara), whose trial resumes on 15 January 2026 before Justice Nwite.
The prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 26 August 2011 UN Building bombing in Abuja, is also progressing. Al-Barnawi and four co-defendants are standing trial for their roles in the attack.
Additionally, five suspects charged in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 are undergoing trial over their alleged involvement in the 5 June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The DSS is also prosecuting 10 suspects linked to deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states, following directives by President Bola Tinubu to ensure their arrest.
Two more high-profile suspects—recaptured ISWAP figure Abdulazeez Obadaki (Bomboy), who allegedly coordinated attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo and Deeper Life Church, Okene, and Musa Abubakar, a purported arms manufacturer and supplier—are set to be arraigned shortly.
According to the DSS, its Director General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, upon assuming office in August 2024, ordered a comprehensive review of all inherited terrorism cases. He also mandated forensic investigations to strengthen prosecution efforts in line with Nigerian laws.
