FG Files 10-Count Terrorism Charge Against Three Over Oyo School Abduction
The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three suspects over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, accusing them of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
The suspects, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja following investigations into the school abduction that attracted widespread national attention.
According to the charge sheet, the three defendants allegedly conspired with three other suspects, who remain at large, between January and May 2026 to plan and facilitate the abduction of the schoolchildren and their teachers.
The Federal Government alleged that the suspects played various roles in the planning of the attack and failed to alert security agencies despite allegedly having prior knowledge of the operation.
The prosecution further accused the defendants of concealing information relating to the planned abduction, an offence it said contravenes relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
In addition, the charge alleged that the trio professed membership of Darul Salam, a group the authorities claimed has links with the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru.
The first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is facing additional charges of allegedly providing terrorist training and using a WhatsApp platform titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to incite acts of terrorism.
He is also accused of engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Suleja, Niger State, an offence the prosecution said violated the country’s mining and criminal laws.
The case follows months of investigations by security agencies into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that heightened concerns over the safety of schools and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the country.
A security source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the suspects are expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja next week following the conclusion of investigations.
At the arraignment, the prosecution is expected to present evidence in support of the 10-count charge, while the defendants will have the opportunity to enter their pleas before the court.
The case is expected to test the Federal Government’s resolve to prosecute those allegedly involved in acts of terrorism, kidnapping and related offences, as authorities continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on schools and other vulnerable communities.
