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DSS Arraigns Seven Alleged IPOB Commanders Linked To Simon Ekpa
One of the key defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger who allegedly operated an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC).
Abuja, Nigeria– The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven alleged commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing them of receiving funds and logistical support from Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa.
The charges were lodged in three separate suits—FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 19 November.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the accused persons were identified as IPOB commanders, Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters, arms couriers, and foot soldiers allegedly bankrolled and directed by Ekpa, who is currently serving a six-year jail term in Finland after his conviction on terror-related charges.
One of the key defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger who allegedly operated an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC).
He was accused of engaging in terrorism financing by receiving and disbursing “large volumes of illicit funds” on behalf of the Ekpa-led network for attacks across the Southeast.
DSS investigators say financial trails show that several foreign-based IPOB members collaborated with Ekpa in moving funds and material support to the suspects now standing trial in Nigeria.
In a related development, the DSS confirmed the conviction of Ismaila (alias Mai Tangaran), the terrorist linked to coordinated attacks on the Kano Police Headquarters in Bompai and other critical facilities in 2012.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 18 November found Ismaila—identified as a leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)—guilty on a four-count terrorism charge under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.
He was sentenced to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, with the terms to run concurrently. His trial began in 2017.
The DSS had earlier filed cases against two internationally-wanted terror suspects – Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (aka Abu Baara) – whose trial will resume before Justice Nwite (of the Federal High Court in Abuja) on 15 January 2026.
The prosecution of Khalid Al‑Barnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the UN complex bombing on 26 August 2011. Al-Barnawi 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.
Equally, being prosecuted by the DSS are 10 suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau states. The suspects were arrested following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to apprehend the perpetrators.
Also to be arraigned are the recaptured Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), believed to be an internationally known ISWAP leader, who confessed to having masterminded attacks on St Francis Catholic, 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 the 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.
