By: Ahmed Rufa’i
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism-related charges against seven individuals alleged to have connections with activities linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the DSS, Favour Dozie, and obtained by Truths Finder.
According to the statement, the cases—FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—were filed on 19 November 2025.The DSS alleged that the seven suspects received funds and other forms of support from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based members of the group.
The Service further stated that one of the accused persons, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, is suspected of involvement in terrorism financing and allegedly operated as an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) agent.According to the statement, Larabo allegedly provided financial services to the Simon Ekpa-led faction of the proscribed group by receiving and disbursing funds reportedly used to support violent activities in parts of the Southeast.
Dozie added that the suspects are believed by the DSS to be IPOB commanders, arms couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers purportedly funded or directed by Ekpa, who, according to the statement, was convicted of terror-related offences and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Finland.
The DSS also announced that it had secured the conviction of one Ismaila, known as Mai Tangaran, who was accused of coordinating the 2012 attacks on the Kano State Police Headquarters in Bompai and other facilities. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered judgment on 18 November, concluding a trial that began in 2017.
Ismaila, identified by the DSS as a member of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP), was convicted on a four-count charge under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
He received a 15-year sentence on count one and 20-year sentences on counts two, three and four, to run concurrently.The DSS further disclosed that trials of two internationally-wanted suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara), will resume on 15 January 2026 before Justice Nwite.Similarly, the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi and four others, accused of involvement in the 26 August 2011 UN House bombing in Abuja, is ongoing.The Service also confirmed the arraignment of five additional suspects in case FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 over alleged roles in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
Ten other suspects arrested in connection with violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also being prosecuted following directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure swift investigations.Additionally, the DSS noted that two suspects—Abdulazeez Obadaki (alias Bomboy), described as a recaptured ISWAP figure, and Musa Abubakar, alleged to be a major arms manufacturer—will soon be arraigned. Both were reportedly linked to attacks in Owo and Okene.
The statement added that since assuming office in August 2024, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered the review of all inherited cases and mandated forensic investigations to strengthen prosecutions in line with Nigerian law.
