BREAKING NEWS: FG Slams 10-Count Terrorism, Kidnapping Charges on Three Suspects Over Oyo School Abduction

BREAKING NEWS: FG Slams 10-Count Terrorism, Kidnapping Charges on Three Suspects Over Oyo School Abduction

The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three suspected members of a terrorist network over the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The suspects, 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), were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to court documents, the defendants are facing serious allegations including terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, terrorist recruitment and training, cyber-related incitement, and illegal gold mining.

Alleged Conspiracy to Kidnap Pupils and Teachers

The Federal Government alleged that the three suspects conspired with other individuals identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab to orchestrate the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State.

The alleged offences reportedly took place between January and May 2026 in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

Prosecutors accused the suspects of providing support for the abduction operation and assisting the alleged masterminds in carrying out the crime. They were also accused of withholding crucial information about the identities and activities of those involved despite being aware of the plot.

Terrorist Group Membership Allegation

In one of the charges, the Federal Government alleged that the suspects declared themselves members of Darul Salam, a group said to be affiliated with Ansaru, a terrorist organisation banned in Nigeria.

The charge claimed that the suspects professed membership of the group on or about June 2, 2026, an action prosecutors said violated provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

WhatsApp Group Used for Terrorist Activities

The first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, faces additional charges relating to alleged terrorist training and recruitment activities.

According to the charge sheet, Umar allegedly used a WhatsApp platform known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to provide instructions and training to suspected terrorists.

He is also accused of using the platform to encourage members to engage in acts of terrorism through online preachings, an offence prosecutors said contravenes both the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrime Act.

Illegal Gold Mining Charge

Beyond the terrorism-related allegations, Umar is also facing a separate charge for allegedly engaging in unlawful gold mining operations in streams located within the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without legal authorization.

Arraignment Expected Next Week

A security source disclosed that the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court next week following the completion of investigations.

The source added that security agencies are still probing the involvement of other individuals connected to the case and remain committed to ensuring a comprehensive investigation.

The case is expected to draw significant public attention as authorities intensify efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.