BREAKING: FG arraigns three over alleged kidnapping of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants, 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, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.

According to the charge, the three men allegedly conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap the pupils and teachers in Orire. The government said the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prosecutors also alleged that the defendants supported the kidnapping operation and failed to report information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds to security agencies despite having prior knowledge of the plot.

In addition, the Federal Government accused the trio of professing membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. The government said the alleged act also violated the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Meanwhile, Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges of allegedly providing training and instructions to terrorists and inciting members to commit acts of terrorism through a WhatsApp group known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” He is also accused of engaging in unlawful gold mining in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State between 2024 and 2026.

The Federal Government said the charges followed investigations into the abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers in Orire, an incident that sparked widespread concern over insecurity in Oyo State and prompted intensified security operations.

The case is expected to continue before the Federal High Court, where the prosecution will seek to prove the allegations, while the defendants will have the opportunity to challenge the charges during the trial.