DSS secures conviction of ISWAP commander, files fresh terrorism charges against IPOB operatives
By Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has secured the conviction of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and filed fresh terrorism charges against seven operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as part of its ongoing nationwide counter-terrorism operations.
In a statement signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS said Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, pleaded guilty on Tuesday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
He was convicted on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Justice Nwite sentenced him to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three and four. The sentences will run concurrently.
According to the DSS, the convict coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, and other facilities, which left several persons injured.
On Wednesday, the Service filed three separate terrorism charges—FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—against seven key IPOB commanders believed to be linked to Finland-based agitator, Simon Ekpa, who is already serving a six-year prison sentence in Finland for terror-related offences.
The suspects were accused of receiving funds and material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based collaborators.
A major suspect, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, identified as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change, was charged with terrorism financing. Larabo allegedly provided financial services to the Ekpa-led network, receiving and disbursing large sums for IPOB activities in the South-East.
The DSS said the suspects include IPOB commanders, arms couriers, Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters and foot soldiers.
The statement also recalled that the Service is prosecuting two internationally-wanted terror suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara) whose trial resumes on January 15, 2025, before Justice Nwite.
Similarly, the agency is prosecuting Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja, alongside four others.
Five additional suspects are facing a nine-count terrorism charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025) over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
Ten others are also being prosecuted over attacks in Benue and Plateau states, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all perpetrators be identified and brought to justice.
The Service added that it will soon arraign the recently re-arrested Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, an alleged ISWAP commander who confessed to orchestrating attacks on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and Deeper Life Church, Okene. Another suspect, Musa Abubakar, a major arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State, will also face prosecution.
The DSS said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, upon assuming office in August 2024, ordered a comprehensive review of all inherited terrorism cases and directed forensic reinvestigations to ensure diligent prosecution.
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