The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven top commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), allegedly linked to the Finland-based separatist leader, Simon Ekpa.
According to a statement on Thursday by Favour Dozie, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the suspects received funds and other support from Ekpa and foreign-based members of his faction. The cases, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025, were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 19.
One of the accused, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, described as an “illegal migrant” from Niger Republic, allegedly ran an unlicensed bureau de change and provided financial services to Ekpa’s faction, facilitating large cash transfers earmarked for attacks in the South-East.
“The suspects have been identified as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, ESN operatives, and foot soldiers funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who was convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years in Finland,” the DSS statement said.
The agency also highlighted the conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, a terrorist who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, and other strategic locations.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sentenced Ismaila to 15 years on one count and 20 years each on three others, with the terms to run concurrently.
Earlier terrorism charges against Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara), both internationally wanted, are scheduled to resume on January 15, 2026.
The prosecution of Khalid al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 2011 United Nations building bombing, is ongoing.
Additionally, five suspects are facing trial over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, while ten others linked to attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also being prosecuted following directives from President Bola Tinubu.
DSS said Abdulazeez Obadaki, known as Bomboy, recently re-arrested, will be arraigned for allegedly masterminding attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church and Deeper Life Church in Okene, while Musa Abubakar, identified as a key weapons manufacturer and supplier, will also face trial.
The service added that since August 2024, when Adeola Ajayi assumed office as DSS Director-General, all inherited case files have been under review, with forensic investigations ordered to ensure diligent prosecution.
Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, was appointed lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra after Kanu’s extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
Following a fallout with IPOB over rules of engagement, Ekpa formed a splinter group and has been using social media to issue sit-at-home directives and calls for attacks on security operatives in the South-East.
Ekpa was arrested in Finland in November 2024 for spreading terrorist propaganda and subsequently imprisoned. In March 2025, the Federal Government designated him a “terrorism financier.”
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
