The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the defendants — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (Abu Itisar) — are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and illegal mining. All three are from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the charge sheet, the suspects allegedly conspired with three other individuals identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to plan and execute the abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The prosecution also accused the trio of aiding the kidnappers, concealing information about the operation, and failing to report the identities of those responsible to security agencies despite allegedly having prior knowledge of the crime.
One of the charges further alleged that the defendants belonged to Darul Salam, described by prosecutors as an affiliate of the banned terrorist group Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru).
Separate charges against Abdulrazak Umar claimed he operated a WhatsApp group called The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace, where he allegedly provided ideological training and encouraged acts of terrorism. He was also accused of engaging in illegal gold mining in the Chaza area of Suleja without lawful authority.
The charges stem from the May 15, 2026, attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, where dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped.
During the 56-day captivity, Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.
The victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, during an intelligence-led military operation targeting the kidnappers’ hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park. Authorities said 44 pupils and teachers regained their freedom, while eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested.
The Presidency maintained that no ransom or concession was offered to secure the release of the victims, despite reports that the abductors had demanded ₦1 billion and the release of one of their detained commanders.
