FG arraigns three over Oyo school abduction, terrorism-related offences

The Federal Government has instituted criminal proceedings against three suspects accused of participating in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants –  Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa bin Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar –  are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.

According to court documents filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the three suspects allegedly collaborated with three other individuals identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab in connection with the abduction that occurred between January and May 2026.

The Federal Government alleged that the defendants knowingly assisted the perpetrators and concealed information regarding the identities, plans and activities of those behind the attack.

They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the planned abduction to relevant security agencies despite allegedly being aware of the plot, an offence said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In one of the counts, prosecutors alleged that the suspects professed membership of Darul Salam, which the charge described as a group linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

The government further accused Umar of using a WhatsApp platform known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to provide guidance, training and instructions aimed at encouraging acts of terrorism.

According to the charge, he allegedly used the online group to radicalise members and promote extremist activities, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

Umar is also facing a separate allegation of illegal gold mining.

The prosecution claimed that between 2024 and 2026, he unlawfully engaged in gold mining activities in streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State without the necessary authorisation.

The offence was said to be contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

A security source familiar with the case disclosed that the suspects are expected to be brought before the court next week after investigators concluded preliminary inquiries.

The source added that investigations remain ongoing, with other individuals still under scrutiny in connection with the incident.

The charges stem from the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire LGA, during which armed men abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

Two persons were reportedly killed during the operation.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.

The Federal Government announced on July 10 that all the remaining abductees had been rescued through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

The prosecution of the suspects marks the latest step in efforts by authorities to bring those responsible for the mass abduction to justice.