The Federal Government has arraigned three men over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, accusing them of terrorism-related offences, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
The suspects, Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 10-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired between January and May 2026 with three other suspects—Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab—to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Federal Government also accused the trio of aiding the kidnapping, concealing information about the alleged masterminds, and failing to report the planned attack to security agencies despite prior knowledge.
The charge further alleged that the defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru.
Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges of allegedly providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled "The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace," inciting members to commit acts of terrorism, and engaging in illegal gold mining in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State between 2024 and 2026.
A security source said the suspects are expected to be formally arraigned next week following the conclusion of investigations, adding that investigations into other suspected members of the network are ongoing.
The charges come days after security agencies rescued all 46 victims abducted during the May 15 attack on three schools in Orire Local Government Area after 56 days in captivity. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were reportedly neutralised.
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