The Nigerian Presidency has publicly disclosed detailed information about ongoing terrorism trials being prosecuted by the Department of State Services across the country.
Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, released the comprehensive list through his official Twitter account on Thursday, November 20, 2025, highlighting seven major court cases involving terrorism-related offenses.
IPOB Commanders Face Terrorism Charges
The DSS has filed terrorism charges against seven key commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who are allegedly linked to Simon Ekpa. Court documents reveal these suspects include identified IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, Eastern Security Network fighters, and foot soldiers.
According to the charges, the accused received funds and material support for terrorism activities in Nigeria's southeast region from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members. The cases were formally filed on November 19, 2025 under file numbers FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025.
Among the defendants is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger who specialized in terrorism financing. Larabo allegedly operated an unlicensed Bureau de change to receive and distribute large sums of money for the proscribed group. Their alleged financier, Simon Ekpa, has already been convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment in Finland.
Successful Prosecutions and Ongoing Trials
The DSS has secured a significant conviction in the case of Ismaila (also known as Mai Tangaran), a leader of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP). Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the verdict on November 18, 2025, concluding a trial that began in 2017.
Ismaila was found responsible for coordinating the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, along with other critical facilities. He received a cumulative sentence of 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, with all sentences running concurrently.
Two internationally-wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara), are scheduled to resume trial before Justice Nwite on January 15, 2026.
High-Profile Cases and New Leadership Directives
The prosecution continues for Khalid Al-Barnawi, accused of masterminding the UN complex bombing on August 26, 2011. Al-Barnawi is being prosecuted alongside four other individuals for their involvement in the attack.
Five individuals currently face a nine-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Additionally, the DSS is prosecuting ten suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau states, following direct directives from President Bola Tinubu to apprehend the perpetrators.
Two other key suspects await arraignment: Abdulazeez Obadaki (alias Bomboy), a recaptured ISWAP leader who reportedly confessed to masterminding attacks on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and Deeper Life Church in Okene, and Musa Abubakar, a key manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition arrested in Plateau State.
Upon assuming office in August 2024, the Director-General of DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, issued critical directives to enhance prosecution efforts. He ordered the review of all inherited cases and mandated that forensic investigations be conducted to ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with Nigerian laws.
