The Federal Government has taken a major step in the prosecution of suspects linked to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Three men have now been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the attack, with prosecutors accusing them of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
According to court documents, the defendants were identified as 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. All three are from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Federal Government alleged that the suspects conspired with three other individuals identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026.
Investigators claimed the group planned and supported the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Furthermore, prosecutors alleged that the defendants knowingly assisted the kidnappers during the operation.
They were also accused of withholding information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite being aware of the plot.
According to the charge sheet, the offences violate relevant sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Meanwhile, investigators also accused the three defendants of professing membership of Darul Salam, which was described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan, widely known as Ansaru.
The group has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
In addition, prosecutors alleged that the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, provided training and instructions to members through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.”
Court documents further claimed that the WhatsApp platform was allegedly used to encourage members to commit acts of terrorism.
Moreover, Umar was separately charged with unlawful gold mining.
According to the prosecution, he allegedly carried out illegal mining activities at streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority.
The charge sheet outlined 10 separate counts against the defendants.
These include conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, concealment of information, membership of a terrorist organisation, providing terrorist training, cybercrime-related offences and illegal mining.
According to one of the charges, “That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR)… conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State.”
Another count accused the suspects of failing to report information capable of helping security agencies arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.
Furthermore, prosecutors alleged that the suspects concealed information despite having knowledge of the activities of the alleged masterminds.
Authorities maintained that the offences carry serious penalties under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
Meanwhile, a security source disclosed that investigations have been completed regarding the three defendants.
The source also revealed that additional suspects remain under investigation as security agencies continue to expand the case.
According to the source, “Others are still being probed as the Agency is insistent on diligent investigation.”
The Federal Government believes the prosecution demonstrates its determination to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and organised criminal activities across the country.
