Seven IPOB commanders arraigned as DSS advances terrorism prosecutions

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned seven key commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over terrorism charges linked to Simon Ekpa.

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 suspects are accused of receiving funds and other material support from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members.

One of the key defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger, allegedly operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) and facilitated the transfer of large sums to fund IPOB terrorism activities in the Southeast.

The DSS investigation established that the suspects acted as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers under Ekpa’s direction.

Ekpa, who was previously convicted on terror-related charges in Finland, is currently serving a six-year sentence.

The DSS also announced the successful prosecution of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, a terrorist responsible for the 2012 attacks on police facilities in Kano State.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Ismaila to 15 years for one count and 20 years for three other counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.

In addition, the DSS continues the prosecution of other high-profile terrorism suspects.

These include internationally-wanted individuals Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (aka Abu Baara), whose trial will resume on 15 January 2026 before Justice Nwite, and Khalid Al-Barnawi, accused of masterminding the UN complex bombing on 26 August 2011.

Further, five suspects are facing a nine-count charge over their alleged role in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Ten other suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also undergoing prosecution.

The DSS confirmed that Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), an ISWAP leader, and Musa Abubakar, an arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State, are scheduled to be arraigned.

Upon assuming office in August 2024, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a review of all inherited terrorism cases and mandated forensic investigations to strengthen prosecutions in line with Nigerian law, according to Favour Dozie, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.