The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has successfully secured a conviction for Ismaila (aka Mai Tangaran), identified as a top Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) commander and coordinator of the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, and other critical facilities, which led to the death of several citizens.
Emeka Nwite, judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was said to have delivered judgment on 18 November 2025, convicting Ismaila on a four-count charge under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.
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He was sentenced to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, with the terms to run concurrently. The trial, which began in 2017, concluded after years of forensic and investigative review.
Favour Dozie, deputy director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the Agency, disclosed in a statement issued by her, seen by BusinessDay, on Thursday.
In the same vein, the DSS also confirmed ongoing prosecutions against internationally-wanted terror suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara). Their trial before Justice Nwite is scheduled to resume on 15 January 2026.
Additionally, the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the UN building in Abuja, is continuing. Al-Barnawi and four others are standing trial for their roles in the attack.
Five more suspects have been arraigned on a nine-count charge in case FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The DSS further disclosed that 10 suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau states are undergoing prosecution, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Also, the agency disclosed that it has filed terrorism charges against seven alleged key commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), all said to be linked to Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa.
The charges were lodged 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, the agency revealed, are being accused of receiving funds and material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based associates to carry out violent activities in the southeast. One of the key suspects, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, described as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic, was allegedly operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) and facilitating terrorism financing for the group. Investigators say Larabo handled significant financial transactions used to support IPOB operations and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
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The DSS noted that the accused individuals functioned variously as IPOB commanders, arms dealers, couriers, ESN fighters, and foot soldiers, allegedly receiving direct funding and directives from Ekpa, who was recently convicted in Finland on terror-related charges and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
The DSS also confirmed ongoing prosecutions against internationally-wanted terror suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (alias Abu Baara). Their trial before Justice Nwite is scheduled to resume on 15 January 2026.
Also set for arraignment is Abdulazeez Obadaki (alias Bomboy), identified as a high-ranking ISWAP leader accused of masterminding the St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo and the Deeper Life Church attack in Okene.
Another suspect, Musa Abubakar, believed to be a key manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition, was arrested in Plateau State and will face charges as well.
According to the DSS, its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, ordered a full review of all inherited terrorism cases. He also mandated new forensic investigations across cases to strengthen prosecutions and ensure compliance with Nigerian law.
The update was issued by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS.
