The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven alleged commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing them of receiving financing and operational directives from Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, who is currently imprisoned in Finland.

The charges were filed in three separate suits—

FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025,

FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and

FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—
before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 19, 2025.

DSS: Suspects Received Funds and Support from Ekpa

According to DSS spokesperson Favour Dozi, the suspects allegedly received money, weapons, and other material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB elements to carry out attacks and sustain operations of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South-East.

One of the accused persons, Ibrahim Larabo, described as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic, has been specifically charged with terrorism financing. He reportedly operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change which handled “large sums” funneled to IPOB cells.

Dozi stated:

“The suspects were established to be IPOB commanders, arms dealers/couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers funded and directed by Simon Ekpa, who has been convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Finland.”

Background: Ekpa’s Conviction in Finland

On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa, aged 40, to six years imprisonment over multiple offences, including:

participation in a terrorist organisation,

incitement for terrorist purposes,

aggravated tax fraud,

violation of Finland’s Lawyers Act.

Other Terror Cases: DSS Announces Major Convictions

In a separate update, the DSS confirmed that Ismaila (aka Mai Tangaran)—coordinator of the 2012 bombing of the Police Headquarters, Bompai, Kano—has been convicted.
The trial, which started in 2017, concluded on November 18, with Justice Emeka Nwite sentencing him to:

15 years (one count)

20 years each (three counts) — all to run concurrently.

Ongoing High-Profile Terrorism Trials

The DSS also disclosed the following:

The trial of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara)—both internationally wanted terror suspects—will resume on January 15, 2026.

Prosecution continues in the case of Khalid Al-Barnawi, identified as mastermind of the 2011 UN Building bombing in Abuja.

Five suspects are being tried in FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 for their alleged roles in the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.

Benue and Plateau Attacks: 10 More Suspects in Court

The DSS confirmed that 10 suspects arrested over the recent killings in Benue and Plateau are undergoing prosecution. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s order for swift arrests of perpetrators.

Also awaiting arraignment are:

Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy) — a recaptured ISWAP commander accused of masterminding the Owo Catholic Church attack and Deeper Life Church, Okene attack.

Musa Abubakar — an alleged arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State.

DSS DG Ordered Case Review and Forensics

The DSS noted that upon assuming office in August 2024, DG Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a comprehensive review of inherited cases and directed deeper forensic analysis to strengthen prosecutions.