FG Arraigns Three Over Orire School Abduction, Files Terrorism Charges
The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, slamming them with terrorism-related charges.
The defendants—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 charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the charge sheet, the three suspects, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA.
The Federal Government also accused them of aiding the kidnapping and concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot.
Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, faces additional charges of allegedly 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.
In a separate count, Umar was accused of engaging in illegal gold mining in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority.
The charges stem from the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity before receiving medical and psychological care.
A security source said the suspects are expected to appear in court after investigations into their roles in the incident were concluded, adding that investigations into other suspects are still ongoing.
“Others are still being probed as the agency is insistent on diligent investigation,” the source said.
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