The Department of State Services has taken decisive action against alleged terrorism financiers and operatives, bringing seven suspected commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Terrorism Financing Network Exposed
In a significant development on November 19, 2025, the DSS filed terrorism charges against seven individuals identified as key commanders of the proscribed IPOB group. The cases, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025, accuse the suspects of receiving substantial financial support and other materials from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members.
The central figure in this network appears to be Ibrahim Ali Larabo, described by security agencies as an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger who operated an unlicensed bureau de change. According to the DSS, Larabo provided crucial financial services for the Ekpa-led faction, receiving and disbursing large sums of money to support IPOB's terrorism activities in Nigeria's southeast region.
International Connections and Convictions
The suspects have been identified as playing various roles within the organization, including serving as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers. All were allegedly funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who has already been convicted on terror-related charges in Finland and sentenced to six years imprisonment.
Ekpa leads a faction advocating for an independent Biafra comprising states from Nigeria's south-east and south-south regions. His imprisonment in Finland followed convictions for promoting terrorism activities in Nigeria, yet he continues to be linked to ongoing security challenges.
Broader Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The DSS statement, signed by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Favour Dozie, also provided updates on other significant terrorism cases. The agency revealed the conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced him under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, handing down 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Other notable cases mentioned include:
- Ongoing trials against internationally wanted suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara), scheduled to resume on January 15, 2026
- Continued prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 2011 UN building bombing, alongside four co-defendants
- Five suspects facing nine-count charges for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State
- Ten individuals prosecuted for attacks in Benue and Plateau states following President Bola Tinubu's directive to apprehend perpetrators
The DSS also plans to arraign Abdulazeez Obadaki (Bomboy), described as an internationally known ISWAP figure who confessed to orchestrating attacks on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and Deeper Life Church in Okene. He will be charged alongside Musa Abubakar, an alleged manufacturer and supplier of arms arrested in Plateau State.
Director General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, has ordered a comprehensive review of inherited cases and directed forensic investigations to support diligent prosecution efforts.
