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The State Security Service (SSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven individuals it describes as commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleging that they received funding and other forms of support from Finland-based separatist leader Simon Ekpa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, the SSS said the charges were filed a day earlier. The agency alleged that the suspects “received funds and other material support from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based members of IPOB.” Ekpa, who leads a faction agitating for an independent Biafra comprising states in the South-East and South-South, is currently in prison in Finland after being convicted of promoting terrorism in Nigeria.
A central figure in the case is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, identified by the SSS as an illegal immigrant from Niger who operated an unlicensed bureau de change. According to the agency, Larabo allegedly facilitated large cash transactions for the Ekpa-led faction, receiving and disbursing funds used to support IPOB operations in the South-East. The statement was signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
Below is the full statement released by the SSS:
DSS ARRAIGNS 7 IPOB COMMANDERS, GIVES UPDATE ON OTHER TERRORISM TRIALS
The Department of State Services has filed terrorism charges against seven IPOB key commanders linked to Simon Ekpa 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 — filed on 19 November, the suspects were accused of receiving funds and other material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members.
A key suspect, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, alleged to be involved in terrorism financing, is said to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger operating an unlicensed bureau de change. He allegedly provided financial services for the Ekpa-led proscribed group, receiving and disbursing large sums of money to support IPOB’s activities in the South-East.
The SSS identified the suspects as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters, and foot soldiers allegedly funded and directed by Ekpa, who has been convicted of terror-related charges and sentenced to six years in Finland.
The agency also announced the conviction of Ismaila (aka Mai Tangaran), described as the terrorist who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, and other critical locations. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced him under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 — 15 years on count one, and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, to run concurrently.
The statement further highlighted ongoing cases involving internationally wanted suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (aka Abu Baara), whose trial is scheduled to resume on 15 January 2026.
The agency confirmed that the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, the alleged mastermind of the 2011 UN building bombing, is continuing alongside four co-defendants.
Five other suspects are currently facing a nine-count charge over their alleged involvement in the 5 June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Ten individuals arrested over attacks in Benue and Plateau states are also being prosecuted, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The SSS added that it will soon arraign Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), described as an internationally known ISWAP operative who allegedly confessed to orchestrating attacks on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and Deeper Life Church, Okene, along with Musa Abubakar, an alleged arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State.
According to the statement, DSS Director General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, ordered a comprehensive review of inherited cases and directed that forensic investigations be conducted to strengthen ongoing prosecutions.
Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
Department of State Services
20 November 2025
