Nigeria has battled different forms of terrorism for more than a decade, and one of the biggest challenges for the government has been bringing suspects to court and securing convictions. 

In November 2025, the Presidency released a detailed breakdown showing at least seven terrorism-related cases currently active in various courts. 

The update, shared by Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu, gives a clearer picture of how the Department of State Services (DSS) is handling terrorism investigations nationwide.

This breakdown came at a time when insecurity, kidnappings, bombings, and targeted attacks, continues to stretch Nigeria’s security institutions. Here is a look at some major terrorism trials highlighted by the Presidency.

IPOB Commanders Linked to Simon Ekpa

One of the newest cases involves seven alleged commanders and fighters of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). They are accused of receiving money and weapons from Simon Ekpa and other foreign-based supporters. 

According to the presidency’s report, the DSS filed three separate charges against them on November 19, 2025.

Among the suspects is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, identified as a Nigerian illegal immigrant who allegedly handled terrorism financing through an unlicensed Bureau de Change. Their alleged financier, Simon Ekpa, is already serving a six-year sentence in Finland.

Conviction of ISWAP Leader Known as Mai Tangaran

Another major trial involves the successful conviction of Ismaila, popularly known as Mai Tangaran, a top figure in ISWAP. His case had been running since 2017.

Mai Tangaran coordinated several deadly attacks, including the 2012 bombing of the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano. On November 18, 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite finally delivered judgment, convicting him on four terrorism charges. Although the sentences add up to many years, they will run concurrently.

Internationally Wanted Suspects Returning to Court

Two internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara) are also in court. 

Their trial is scheduled to resume in January 2026 before Justice Nwite. These men are considered high-risk suspects with connections to cross-border terror operations.

The UN Building Bombing Case

One of Nigeria’s most notorious terror attacks was the 2011 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Abuja. The trial connected to this case is still active.

The DSS continues to prosecute Khalid Al-Barnawi, believed to be the mastermind of the attack, alongside four others. Their case remains one of the longest-running terrorism trials in the country due to its complexity.

Owo Church Attack and Other Regional Killings

Five suspects have been charged for their role in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The attack shocked the nation after dozens of worshippers were killed during a Sunday service.

Beyond Owo, the DSS is also prosecuting 10 suspects linked to attacks in Benue and Plateau States. These arrests were made after an express directive from President Tinubu, who ordered security agencies to fish out those behind the repeated killings in the region.

High-Value Suspects Awaiting Arraignment

Some suspects are yet to be formally arraigned. These include Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a notorious ISWAP leader who was recently recaptured. He reportedly confessed to planning multiple attacks, including the Owo massacre and the bombing of a Deeper Life Church in Okene.

Another suspect, Musa Abubakar, allegedly supplied weapons to terrorist cells before his arrest in Plateau State.

New DSS Directives Under the Current DG

The Presidency also highlighted reforms introduced by the new Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024.
He ordered a full review of all pending terrorism cases and pushed for stronger forensic investigations. According to the update, these changes were made to ensure that terrorism trials are handled thoroughly and reflect Nigeria’s legal standards.

Why these trials matter

The seven cases show that Nigeria is still dealing with multiple layers of terrorism from separatist-linked violence to ISWAP cells and mass attacks on communities. 

They also show how complex terrorism cases can be, often involving foreign links, weapons suppliers, financiers, and sleeper cells across different regions.

For many Nigerians, the Presidency’s update is a sign that government agencies are actively pushing cases forward. But it also reminds the country of the long road ahead in reducing insecurity and ensuring justice is served.