The Department of State Services, DSS, has initiated terrorism prosecutions against seven alleged commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who are believed to be connected to Finland-based separatist figure, Simon Ekpa.
The suspects were charged in three different cases — FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025 — filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 19.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Favour Dozie, the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the accused individuals allegedly received financial and material assistance from Ekpa and other foreign supporters of IPOB to bolster the group’s operations.
Dozie explained that one of the defendants, Ibrahim Larabo, described as an illegal migrant from the Niger Republic, faces charges related to terrorism financing. She stated that Larabo operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change and handled large transactions for the Ekpa-led faction, channeling funds to support activities in the South-East.
The statement partly read, “In the three separate cases — FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025; FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025; and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025 — filed on 19 November, the seven suspects were accused of receiving funds and other material support from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based members of IPOB. A key suspect, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, accused of terrorism financing, is an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger and operates a BDC without a licence.
“He provided financial services for the Simon Ekpa-led proscribed group, receiving and disbursing large sums of money for IPOB terrorism activities in the South-East.”
Dozie said investigations showed the suspects acted as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, courier operatives, Eastern Security Network, ESN, fighters, and foot soldiers who allegedly operated under the directives and funding of Ekpa.
“The suspects were established to be IPOB commanders, arms dealers/couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who has been convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Finland.”
Ekpa had earlier been sentenced by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
Separately, Dozie disclosed that the DSS secured the conviction of a terrorist identified as Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, for orchestrating the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, and other targets. His trial, which began in 2017, ended on November 18 with Justice Emeka Nwite sentencing him to 15 years on one count and 20 years each on three additional charges, to run concurrently.
She added that proceedings involving two internationally wanted terror suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara) — will continue on January 15, 2026, before Justice Nwite.
“The prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the UN complex bombing on 26 August 2011, continues.
“Barnawi, alongside four others, is being prosecuted for his involvement in the bombing. Five others are arraigned on a nine-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State,” the statement added.
Dozie noted that 10 suspects linked to violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also undergoing trial, acting on directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered immediate arrests of those responsible.
“Also to be arraigned are the recaptured Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), believed to be an internationally known ISWAP leader, who confessed to masterminding attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and Deeper Life Church, Okene; and one Musa Abubakar, a key manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition, who was arrested in Plateau State.
“The DG-DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, upon assuming office in August 2024, ordered a review of all the cases he inherited. He also directed that forensic investigations be conducted on these cases to aid diligent prosecution in accordance with Nigerian laws,” she said.
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