DSS Files Fresh Terrorism Charges Against Ekpa-Linked IPOB Commanders, Secures Conviction Of ISWAP Leader

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified its counter-terrorism operations with fresh charges against seven operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), even as it secured the conviction of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In a statement on Wednesday, the Service said it filed three separate terrorism charges—FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—before the Federal High Court in Abuja against the suspects described as IPOB commanders, Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters, arms couriers and foot soldiers.

According to Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the suspects were allegedly linked to Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, who is currently serving a six-year prison term in Finland for terror-related offences. They are accused of receiving funds, materials and operational support from Ekpa and other foreign-based collaborators to sustain violent attacks across the South-East.

A major suspect in the network, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, identified as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change, was separately charged with terrorism financing. The DSS alleged that Larabo handled large financial transactions on behalf of the Ekpa-led cell, providing critical funding streams for IPOB/ESN activities.

The Service said the charges form part of a wider crackdown ordered by its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who, upon assuming office in August 2024, directed a comprehensive review and forensic reinvestigation of all inherited terrorism cases.

Meanwhile, the DSS announced that it is prosecuting several other high-profile terrorism suspects, including two internationally-wanted militants, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara), whose trial resumes on January 15, 2025. Also in court is Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja.

Five additional suspects are being tried over the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, while ten others face prosecution for deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.

The Service also disclosed plans to arraign Abdulazeez Obadaki (alias Bomboy), a re-arrested ISWAP commander who allegedly confessed to attacks on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and Deeper Life Church, Okene, along with Musa Abubakar, a major arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State.

The latest developments come as the DSS secured the conviction of ISWAP senior commander Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, who pleaded guilty on Tuesday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ismaila, who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, was convicted on a four-count terrorism charge under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013. Justice Nwite sentenced him to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three and four, with the terms running concurrently.