Suspects accused of conspiring to abduct pupils and teachers in Orire, professing membership of Ansaru affiliate, operating terror WhatsApp group, and engaging in unlawful gold mining.

Federal High Court Abuja where three suspects were charged over the Oyo school kidnap and terrorism-related offences.
File photo: The Federal Government has filed a 10-count terrorism-related charge against three suspects over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
By Adewale Omo Olubo I All Day TV
17, July 2026

The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as terrorism-related activities and illegal gold mining.

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)—were charged on Friday in a 10-count charge filed by the Federal Government.

According to the charge, the three suspects, all residents of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA of Oyo State.

The charges were brought under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Background to the Kidnap

The charges stem from the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in Orire Local Government Area by armed men who abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

The affected schools included:

Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota
Community Grammar School, Esiele
LA Primary School
During their captivity, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.

The remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following sustained security operations involving multiple agencies. Several security personnel reportedly lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Federal High Court Abuja where three suspects were charged over the Oyo school kidnap and terrorism-related offences.
File photo: The Federal Government has filed a 10-count terrorism-related charge against three suspects over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Allegations Against the Defendants

According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government accused the three defendants of conspiring to facilitate the kidnapping by collaborating with the alleged masterminds.

The prosecution further alleged that they knowingly assisted the kidnappers and deliberately failed to provide information that could have led to the arrest of those responsible, despite being aware of both their identities and operational plans.

The Federal Government also accused them of withholding intelligence regarding the kidnapping itself, thereby obstructing efforts by security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

Alleged Terror Group Membership

In Count Six of the charge, prosecutors alleged that the three defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

The alleged offence was said to have occurred on or about June 2, 2026, in Suleja, Niger State.

WhatsApp Group Used for Terror Activities

The charge singled out the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, accusing him of creating and administering a WhatsApp platform titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.”

According to the prosecution, Umar allegedly used the platform to:

Provide training and operational instructions to terrorists;
Disseminate extremist teachings;
Encourage members to carry out acts of terrorism.
These allegations form the basis of separate counts under the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrime Act.

Illegal Gold Mining Allegation

In addition to the terrorism charges, the Federal Government accused Umar of engaging in unlawful gold mining activities at streams located within the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026.

Prosecutors alleged that the mining activities were carried out without lawful authority, contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Legal Proceedings

The case is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution will seek to establish the allegations contained in the 10-count charge.

Under Nigerian law, the filing of criminal charges does not amount to a finding of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.

The outcome of the trial is expected to provide further insight into the investigation into one of the country’s most disturbing school kidnapping incidents in recent months.