The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven suspected commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleged to be linked to Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa.
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 in Abuja on November 19.
A statement on Thursday by the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the suspects were accused of receiving funds and other material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based members of IPOB to advance the group’s activities.
Dozi said one of the accused persons, Ibrahim Larabo, described as an illegal immigrant from the Niger Republic, was charged with terrorism financing.
She alleged that Larabo operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change and provided financial services for the Ekpa-led faction, receiving and disbursing large sums for operations in the South-East.
The statement partly read, “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 and operates a 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 South-East.”
Dozie said the suspects functioned as IPOB commanders, arms couriers, arms dealers, Eastern Security Network fighters, and foot soldiers allegedly funded and directed by Ekpa.
“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.”
The PUNCH
