Three men accused of participating in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are facing life imprisonment after the Federal Government filed terrorism charges against them before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Drivetvnews gathered that rhe defendants — Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa (Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (Abu Itisar) — were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, cyber-related offences and illegal mining.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the suspects allegedly conspired with three other persons currently at large to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State between January and May 2026.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants knowingly took part in terrorist activities by assisting in the kidnapping operation and threatening to kill the victims unless a ransom was paid.
The Federal Government also accused the trio of belonging to a banned terrorist organisation, concealing information about terrorist activities, promoting terrorism through digital platforms and engaging in illegal mining to finance criminal operations.
Under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, anyone convicted of kidnapping as an act of terrorism may face life imprisonment where no death occurs. However, where deaths result from the crime, the law provides for the death penalty. Two teachers abducted during the May 15 attack were later killed while in captivity.
The case is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court, where the defendants will enter their pleas.
Meanwhile, retired Major General Ishola Williams has supported Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent investigation into the abduction and rescue operation.
Speaking during a radio interview, Williams said the governor’s request was consistent with previous demands for international scrutiny during the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, stressing that there was nothing unusual about seeking an independent review.
Although he noted that a state governor lacks the constitutional authority to invite the United Nations to conduct such an investigation, Williams suggested that reputable international organisations such as Amnesty International could independently examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The retired military officer also questioned how dozens of armed kidnappers successfully carried out the attack without being detected, arguing that local intelligence systems and security structures should be held accountable for the security lapse.
He further called for greater transparency regarding the rescue operation, saying a detailed review could provide lessons that would strengthen future responses to insecurity across the country.
Also reacting, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended officers who participated in the rescue mission and paid tribute to Sergeant John Abena, who lost his life during the operation.
He praised the collaboration among security agencies, describing it as a clear demonstration that joint efforts remain essential in tackling terrorism and other security threats. The police chief also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help prevent criminal activities.
The abducted pupils, teachers and a toddler regained their freedom on July 10 following a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, Department of State Services and other security agencies after spending weeks in captivity.
