DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Seven Alleged IPOB Commanders Linked to Simon Ekpa

The Department of State Services has filed terrorism charges against seven alleged commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra said to be connected to Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based agitator currently serving a six-year sentence for terror-related offences. The charges were entered in three separate suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie, the suspects are accused of receiving funds and logistical support from Ekpa and other members of the group operating abroad. One of them, identified as Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic who allegedly ran an unlicensed Bureau De Change used to channel large sums of money for operations in the South-East.

The agency said the accused individuals operated in various roles within the group, including commanders, arms couriers, arms dealers and Eastern Security Network fighters. The DSS linked their activities directly to Ekpa, who a Finnish court convicted in September on charges that included involvement with a terrorist organisation, incitement, aggravated tax fraud and violations of the Lawyers Act.

In a separate development, the DSS announced the conviction of a terrorist known as Ismaila, or Mai Tangaran, who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, and other targets. After a trial that began in 2017, Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced him to 15 years on one count and 20 years each on three counts, to run concurrently.

Dozie added that the trial of two internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara), will continue on January 15, 2026. She also confirmed that proceedings are ongoing against Khalid Al-Barnawi, accused of masterminding the 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja, while five other suspects are being prosecuted over their alleged roles in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.