THE Federal Government has arraigned three suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspects, 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) were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 10-count charge.
The charges include terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement to commit terrorism, and illegal mining.
According to the charge sheet, the three defendants, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other individuals between January and May 2026 to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects aided the kidnapping operation and deliberately withheld information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot.
The Federal Government also accused the trio of professing membership of Darul Salam, which it described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an offence under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In addition to the joint charges, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, faces separate allegations of providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” He is also accused of using the platform to incite members to commit acts of terrorism, contrary to the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrimes Act.
The final count alleges that Umar engaged in unlawful gold mining in streams located within the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without legal authorisation.
A security source said investigations into the case have been concluded for the three suspects, while inquiries involving other individuals linked to the alleged crimes are still ongoing.
The source added that authorities remain committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and prosecution of all those involved.
