FG files charges against 3 men linked to abduction of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Federal Government has filed 10-count charge bordering on involvement in the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from schools in Orire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo state against three men alleged members of Darul Salam, an affiliate of Ansaru terrorist group.

The three suspects were identified as 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) in the 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of Department of State Service, DSS.

The three suspects, all of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, are alleged to have conspired with one Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap school children and teachers in Oyo State, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They are further alleged to have aided the kidnap of the school children and teachers, and to have concealed information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite knowledge of the plot, offences said to contravene Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Act respectively.

The charge sheet also alleged that the trio, on or about 2nd June 2026, professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Act.

In separate counts, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is specifically accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists and inciting members to commit acts of terrorism through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” offences said to contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

In the 10th Umar was accused of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

A security source said the suspects are expected to appear in court next week as the investigation of their alleged involvement in the kidnap plot have been concluded

However, it was gathered that others suspected of involvement in the abduction plot are still be investigated by security operatives.

The schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted on May 14 from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state were recently rescued by security operatives after spending 56 days in captivity.

A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools were abducted by the terrorists.

However, the Federal Government had on July 10 announced that all the abductees had been rescued following a joint security operation.

The terrorists had killed a teachers identified as Mr Joel Adesiyan on the day of the abduction within the school premises.

The terrorist also killed two other teachers, Deacon John Olaleye, and Mr Michael Oyedokun while they were in their captivity.