Nigerian Government Arraigns Three Over Oyo School Children, Teachers' Kidnap

ABUJA, Nigeria – 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 suspects—Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa/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 to terrorism and illegal mining.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prosecutors further alleged that the trio aided the kidnappings and deliberately concealed information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot.

The Federal Government also accused the three men of professing membership of Darul Salam, which prosecutors described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist organisation Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru).

In addition, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, was accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled "The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace," allegedly using the platform to incite members to commit acts of terrorism. He is also charged with unlawful gold mining in Chaza, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, between 2024 and 2026.

A security source disclosed that investigations into the three suspects have been concluded and that they are expected to appear before the court next week, while investigations into other individuals connected to the case are continuing.

The prosecution is one of the Federal Government's latest efforts to bring those responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State to justice amid ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the country.