The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants, identified as 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, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and illegal mining.
According to the charges, the suspects, who are all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other individuals between January and May 2026 to abduct students and teachers in Oyo State, an offence said to violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutors also accused the trio of declaring allegiance to Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the banned terrorist group Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), an offence under the same law.
Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges, including allegedly providing terrorist training through a WhatsApp group named “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” and using the platform to encourage acts of terrorism, contrary to the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrime Act.
He is also accused of engaging in illegal gold mining in streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authorization.
Authorities said investigations into the case have been concluded, and the suspects are expected to appear in court next week. Security officials added that investigations are still ongoing into the activities of other individuals linked to the case.
