Simon Ekpa in court | Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva/YLE
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked to Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Favour Dozie, deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, the DSS said the defendants received money and other support from Ekpa and foreign-based members of the separatist group.
The cases, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025, were filed before the federal high court in Abuja on November 19, 2025.
One of the accused persons, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an “illegal migrant” from the Niger Republic who operated a bureau de change (BDC) without a licence.
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Larabo was alleged to have provided financial services for the Ekpa-led faction of IPOB by receiving and distributing large sums earmarked for attacks in the south-east.
“The suspects were established to be IPOB commanders, arms dealers/couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who has been convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Finland,” the statement reads.
“Also, the DSS has successfully prosecuted Ismaila, a.k.a. Mai Tangaran, the terrorist who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, and other critical facilities, resulting in many injuries.
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“Ismaila was convicted and sentenced by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“The trial, which began in 2017, ended on 18 November when Justice Nwite pronounced his verdict.
“Ismaila, one of the leaders of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP), was convicted on the four-count charge brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.”
Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment on the first count and 20 years each on the remaining three counts, with the terms to run concurrently.
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The DSS said terrorism charges earlier filed against two internationally wanted suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara) — will resume before Nwite on January 15, 2026.
The secret police also confirmed that the prosecution of Khalid al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 2011 UN building bombing, is ongoing.
Five other defendants are facing trial in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 over their alleged roles in the 5 June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state.
Ten suspects linked to recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also being prosecuted, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
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The DSS added that Abdulazeez Obadaki, known as ‘Bomboy’, who was recently re-arrested, will be arraigned for allegedly masterminding attacks on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and Deeper Life Church in Okene.
Another suspect, Musa Abubakar, described as a “key manufacturer and supplier of weapons”, was arrested in Plateau state and will also face trial.
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The DSS said Adeola Ajayi, its director-general, has also ordered a review of inherited case files upon assuming office in August 2024, directing forensic investigations to support diligent prosecution.
BACKGROUND
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Ekpa is a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB group.
After Kanu was extradited to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, Ekpa was appointed as the lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra.
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Weeks later, IPOB announced Ekpa’s dismissal, citing his refusal to sign the rules of engagement of Radio Biafra.
The development strained the relationship between IPOB and Ekpa, with the Finland-based lawyer going on to form a splinter secessionist group.
The separatist used his social media platforms, especially X, to issue sit-at-home directives in the south-east geopolitical zone, while calling for attacks on security operatives.
On numerous occasions, IPOB distanced itself from the activities and directives of Ekpa.
In November 2024, Ekpa was arrested by law enforcement in Finland.
He was subsequently sent to prison by the district court for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”.
In March 2025, the federal government designated Ekpa a “terrorism financier”.
