DSS arraigns seven IPOB commanders, updates ongoing terrorism prosecutions
By Kunle Sanni –
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned seven alleged commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked to Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa. The suspects were charged with terrorism-related offences before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to court filings dated 19 November, the defendants are facing trial in three separate suits: FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025. They are accused of receiving funds and other logistical support from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members to carry out attacks in the South-East.
One of the defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, is alleged to be an illegal immigrant from the Niger Republic who operated an unlicensed bureau de change. The DSS says he played a central role in terrorism financing by helping transfer large sums of money to IPOB cells and Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters.
Investigators identified the suspects as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, ESN operatives and foot soldiers financially backed by Ekpa, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence in Finland for terror-related offences.
The agency also announced the conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader linked to the 2012 attack on the Kano State Police Command headquarters in Bompai. He was found guilty by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after a trial that began in 2017.
Ismaila was convicted on a four-count terrorism charge and sentenced to 15 years on the first count and 20 years each on counts two, three and four, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The DSS also confirmed that the terrorism trials of two internationally wanted suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara) — will continue before Justice Nwite on 15 January 2026.
Similarly, the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja, is ongoing. Al-Barnawi and four others are facing multiple charges for their roles in the deadly attack.
