Oriire school kidnappings: DSS arraigns five Ansaru leaders on terror charges

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Department of State Services on Thursday re-arraigned five alleged leaders of the proscribed terrorist group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of about 46 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants were brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on a seven-count amended charge over the alleged May 15, 2026, attack. The prosecution alleged that the incident led to the deaths of two people, including Deacon John Olaleye, who was allegedly beheaded, and another victim identified as Michael Oyedokun.

The defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026 after it was read to them. The prosecution alleged that Muhammad and Abbas directed the other defendants to kidnap and kill people in different parts of the country if they were arrested by the Nigerian government.

According to the amended charge, the alleged directive was intended to compel the government to meet the group’s demands. The prosecution said it resulted in the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire.

The DSS further alleged that the defendants committed terrorism-related offences by causing the deaths of Olaleye and Oyedokun, failing to disclose information about imminent terrorist acts and aiding the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers. The charges were filed under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Following their pleas, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who is leading the DSS legal team, urged the court to commence the trial, saying the prosecution witnesses were ready and available. He also asked that the witnesses wear masks while testifying to protect their identities.

The application was not opposed by defence counsel Bala Dakum, and Justice Ibrahim granted the request. The case will now proceed to trial, where the prosecution will present evidence in support of its allegations, while the defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.