In a significant legal victory for Nigeria's security forces, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a prominent leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on multiple terrorism charges.
Major Terrorism Conviction
On 18 November 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite found Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, guilty under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013. The court sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment for count one and 20 years each for counts two, three, and four, with the sentences to run concurrently.
According to a statement from DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozie, the convict was found responsible for coordinating the 2012 attacks on Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, along with other facilities where numerous people sustained injuries.
Multiple High-Profile Cases Under Prosecution
The Department of State Services is actively pursuing several other significant terrorism cases across the country. Among these is the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, the alleged mastermind behind the 26 August 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja. Al-Barnawi and four accomplices are currently facing trial for their involvement in this devastating attack.
In another critical case, five suspects are being prosecuted on a nine-count charge in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 for their alleged role in the 5 June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
International Terror Networks Disrupted
The DSS has filed charges against two internationally wanted terror suspects identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara). Their trial is scheduled to resume before Justice Nwite on 15 January 2026.
Following President Bola Tinubu's directive to bring perpetrators of violence to justice, ten suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau states are being prosecuted. Among them is Abdulazeez Obadaki (Bomboy), described as an internationally known ISWAP leader who confessed to masterminding attacks on both St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and Deeper Life Church in Okene.
Another significant arrest includes Musa Abubakar, identified as a manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition, who was apprehended in Plateau State.
IPOB Funding Network Exposed
In a separate development on 19 November, terrorism charges were filed against nine commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked to Simon Ekpa. Through five separate suits, they were accused of receiving funds and material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based members of the proscribed group.
A key suspect, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic who operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change, was charged with terrorism financing. He allegedly provided financial services for the Ekpa-led group, receiving and disbursing large sums for IPOB activities in the southeast.
The DSS identified the suspects as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, Eastern Security Network fighters, and foot soldiers funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who has already been convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Finland.
Under the leadership of Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, the DSS has conducted a comprehensive review of all inherited cases and directed forensic investigations to ensure diligent prosecution in line with Nigerian law.
