FG files terrorism, kidnapping charges against three over Oyo school abduction

The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three men accused of involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The charges, filed on Friday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, border on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement to terrorism and illegal mining.

Abdulrazak Umar, defendants
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 all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to the charge sheet, the three allegedly conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA, an offence the prosecution said contravenes Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Federal Government also accused the defendants of aiding the abduction and concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot, contrary to Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Act.

In a separate count, prosecutors alleged that the trio professed membership of Darul Salam, described in the charge as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, in violation of Section 25(1) of the Terrorism Act.

The charge further singled out Abdulrazak Umar for additional offences, including allegedly providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” and using the platform to incite members to commit acts of terrorism.

The prosecution said the alleged offences contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Umar is also accused of unlawfully mining gold in streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Court documents indicate that the charges include conspiracy, aiding terrorism-related kidnapping, concealment of information, membership of a proscribed terrorist group, provision of terrorist training, incitement and illegal mining.

A security source familiar with the investigation said the Department of State Services (DSS) had concluded its investigation into the three suspects and was preparing to arraign them before the court next week.

“The suspects are expected to appear in court next week following the conclusion of investigations. Others are still being investigated as the agency remains committed to ensuring diligent prosecution,” the source said.