Oriire Abduction: FG Arraigns Three Suspects Over Oyo School Kidnap

The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The defendants—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 and illegal mining.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other individuals identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Prosecutors further alleged that they aided the abduction, concealed information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite prior knowledge of the plot, and violated provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Federal Government also accused the three defendants of professing membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru). In addition, Abdulrazak Umar is alleged to have provided training and instructions to terrorists and used a WhatsApp group titled "The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace" to incite acts of terrorism. He also faces a separate charge of engaging in illegal gold mining in Niger State.

The arraignment marks a significant step in the prosecution of those linked to the high-profile Oriire school abduction, which drew nationwide attention after dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped. The case is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court as the government continues efforts to hold those responsible accountable under Nigeria's anti-terrorism laws.