DSS Arraigns Seven Alleged IPOB Commanders Over Terror Financing Linked to Simon Ekpa

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned seven alleged IPOB commanders in Abuja over terror financing linked to Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist. Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish national, was convicted in Finland for terrorism-related offenses.

One of the suspects, Ismaila Mai Tangaran, was identified as a coordinator of a 2012 attack in Kano. The trial is set to resume in January 2026.

The DSS accuses the suspects of funding violent activities in Nigeria's southeast region.