The Federal Government has filed terrorism charges against three suspected members of a terrorist network over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from schools 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 arraigned on Friday on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the charge, the three defendants, who are natives of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to orchestrate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA between January and May 2026.
The federal government said the alleged conspiracy contravenes Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutors further accused the defendants of facilitating the kidnapping operation and deliberately concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the planned attacks.
The offences are said to violate Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In addition, the government alleged that on or about June 2, 2026, the three suspects openly declared membership of Darul Salam, which prosecutors described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a terrorist organisation banned in Nigeria.
The alleged declaration of membership, according to the charge, constitutes an offence under Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The charge also singled out the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, for additional offences.
Prosecutors alleged that he provided training, guidance and operational instructions to members of the terrorist group and used a WhatsApp group named “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to incite individuals to engage in terrorist activities.
The government maintained that Umar’s alleged actions violate Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The filing of the charges marks the latest step in the federal government’s prosecution of suspects linked to the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
This incident heightened security concerns in Oyo State and prompted intensified counter-terrorism operations by security agencies.
The defendants are expected to answer the charges before the court as the prosecution seeks to establish their alleged roles in the kidnapping and related terrorism offences.
