The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The suspects are facing multiple terrorism-related charges filed after their arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The defendants, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, were charged with a 10-count offence bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and illegal mining.
According to the prosecution, the trio allegedly conspired with three other suspects between January and May 2026 to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State. The government also accused them of withholding critical information about the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the kidnapping plot.
Court documents further alleged that the suspects declared allegiance to Darul Salam, described by prosecutors as an affiliate of the outlawed terrorist group Ansaru. The offence is said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, faces additional allegations of providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group reportedly named “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” Prosecutors also accused him of using the platform to incite members to carry out acts of terrorism, contrary to the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrime Act.
In a separate charge, Umar was accused of engaging in illegal gold mining activities in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authorisation.
The Federal Government said investigations into the case have been concluded for the three defendants, while additional suspects linked to the alleged kidnapping network remain under investigation.
READ ALSO:
- Reps Summon NSA, IGP, AGF, Others Over PFIPC Investigation
- I’m Following Your Footsteps, Abiodun Tells Gbenga Daniel
- FG Arraigns Three Suspects Over Oriire School Kidnap, Files Terrorism Charges
- My Past Criticism of Tinubu No Longer Relevant, Says Bwala
- Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over ₦22.15bn Budget for Traditional Rulers’ Palaces
