The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants — Abdulrazak Umar (aka Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (aka Yunusa bin Musa) and Shamsu Adamu Sani (aka Abu Itisar) — are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the charge, the three, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other suspects between January and May 2026 to kidnap the victims and also aided the operation. They are further accused of withholding information about the alleged masterminds despite knowing of the plot.
Prosecutors also alleged that the trio professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges of providing training and instructions to terrorists, using a WhatsApp group titled The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace to incite terrorism, and engaging in illegal gold mining in Suleja between 2024 and 2026.
A security source said the suspects are expected to appear in court next week following the conclusion of investigations, adding that other suspects are still being investigated.
