The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants, Abdulrazak Umar also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the charge sheet, the three men allegedly conspired with three other suspects, who are currently at large, between January and May 2026 to plan and facilitate the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers.
The government also alleged that the defendants concealed information about the planned attack and failed to report the activities of the suspected masterminds to relevant security agencies despite having prior knowledge.
The charge further accused them of professing membership of Darul Salam, a group alleged to have links with the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru.
Abdulrazak Umar, the first defendant, faces additional charges including providing terrorist training. He is also accused of using a WhatsApp platform titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to allegedly incite acts of terrorism.
The prosecution further alleged that he engaged in illegal gold mining activities in Suleja, Niger State, an offence it said contravenes relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
A security source said the case will proceed to hearing next week.
The prosecution will present evidence to support the charges, while the defendants will have the opportunity to enter their pleas before the court.