● Provides update on other terrorism trials
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven alleged IPOB/ESN commanders and collaborators linked to Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa. The charges were lodged on 19 November before the Federal High Court in Abuja in three separate cases: FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025.
According to a statement issued by Favour Dozie, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the suspects are accused of receiving funds and other material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based members of the proscribed group. Among them is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, described as an illegal immigrant from Niger who operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change. The DSS alleges that Larabo provided financial services for the Ekpa-led network, receiving and disbursing large sums to facilitate IPOB/ESN terrorism activities in the South-East.
The Service stated that the accused persons include IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers who acted under the direction of Ekpa, who has been convicted of terror-related offences and sentenced to six years in prison in Finland.
The DSS also provided updates on other ongoing terrorism prosecutions. It confirmed the conviction of Ismaila (alias Mai Tangaran), who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, and other key facilities.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered judgment on 18 November, sentencing the ISWAP leader to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, to run concurrently. The case had been ongoing since 2017.
Further, the DSS reported progress in the trial of two internationally wanted terror suspects—Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara)—whose case before Justice Nwite is scheduled to resume on 15 January 2026.
The Service added that the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 26 August 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja, is continuing. Al-Barnawi and four others are being tried for their roles in the attack.
In another case, five individuals have been arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, under FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, on a nine-count charge over their alleged involvement in the 5 June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The DSS is also prosecuting ten suspects arrested in connection with recent attacks in Benue and Plateau States, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to apprehend the perpetrators.
Additionally, the Service announced the upcoming arraignment of Abdulazeez Obadaki (alias Bomboy)—a recaptured, internationally known ISWAP figure who allegedly masterminded attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and Deeper Life Church, Okene—and Musa Abubakar, arrested in Plateau State and described as a key producer and supplier of arms and ammunition.
The DSS noted that since assuming office in August 2024, Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a comprehensive review of all inherited terrorism cases and mandated further forensic investigations to support diligent prosecution in line with Nigerian law.
