The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated terrorism prosecutions against seven individuals described as frontline operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the agency, the suspects were allegedly working under the influence and financial direction of Finland-based separatist figure, Simon Ekpa.
The charges—filed on November 19—were entered 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 in Abuja.
DSS: Suspects Were Financed From Abroad
In a statement released Thursday, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozi, said the defendants occupied various operational roles within the organisation.
They were allegedly funded by Ekpa and other foreign-based associates to carry out violent activities across the South-East.
One of the accused, identified as Ibrahim Ali Larabo—described by the DSS as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic—faces specific charges relating to terrorism financing.
Dozi stated that Larabo ran an unlicensed Bureau de Change operation through which he allegedly moved significant funds for the IPOB faction loyal to Ekpa.
“He provided financial services for the Simon Ekpa-led proscribed group, receiving and disbursing large sums of money to support IPOB’s terrorism activities in the South-East,” the statement noted.
The DSS said the group operated as arms suppliers, couriers, Eastern Security Network fighters, and other tactical units within the organisation.
Reference to Ekpa’s Conviction in Finland
Dozi reiterated that Ekpa himself had recently been convicted in Finland.
On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced the Nigerian-born Finnish national to six years in prison for several offences, including:
* Participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation
* Incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes
* Aggravated tax fraud
* Violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act
Ekpa, a former local politician in Lahti, has long been accused by Nigerian authorities of fuelling separatist violence.
Other Prosecutions Announced
The DSS statement also highlighted unrelated terrorism convictions and ongoing trials.
A suspect identified as Ismaila, popularly called Mai Tangaran, was convicted for coordinating the 2012 attack on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced him on November 18 to a total term of 20 years—although the sentences will run concurrently.
Meanwhile, trial continues on January 15, 2026, for two fugitives previously placed on international watchlists:
Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda)
Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara)
UN Building Bombing Case and Owo Church Attack
The DSS further confirmed progress in the long-running prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged architect of the 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja. He and five others are also being tried in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
Among the defendants, the service named Abdulazeez Obadaki (Bomboy)—described as an ISWAP commander—who reportedly confessed to orchestrating the Owo and Okene attacks.
The DSS also disclosed the arrest of Musa Abubakar, said to be a major arms manufacturer and supplier operating in Plateau State.
Tinubu’s Directive and Ongoing Investigations
Ten additional suspects apprehended over recent attacks in Benue and Plateau States are also standing trial. The arrests followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to identify and prosecute perpetrators of renewed violence in the region.
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Dozi noted that since assuming office in 2024, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a comprehensive review of all inherited terrorism cases and mandated fresh forensic investigations to strengthen ongoing prosecutions.
“Investigations and prosecutions are being pursued diligently and strictly in accordance with Nigerian law,” she said.
