DSS arraigns seven alleged IPOB commanders, gives update on other terrorism trials

DSS operatives

By KEMI KAYODE

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed Terrorism Charges against seven IPOB key commanders linked to Simon Ekpa before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

In the three separate cases, FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025;

FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025, filed on 19 November, the seven suspects were accused of receiving funds and other material support from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based members of IPOB.

A key suspect, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, accused of terrorism financing, is an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger, operating a Bureau de change (BDC) without a licence. He provided financial services for the Simon Ekpa-led proscribed group, receiving and disbursing large sums of money for IPOB terrorism activities in the southeast.

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.

Also, the DSS has successfully prosecuted Ismaila a.k.a Mai Tangaran, the terrorist who coordinated the 2012 attacks on the IPolice Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State and other critical facilities, resulting in many injuries.

Ismaila was convicted and sentenced by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trial, which began in 2017, ended on 18 November when Justice Nwite pronounced his verdict.