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IBADAN/ABUJA – The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three suspects over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, accusing them of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
The suspects, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja following investigations into the school abduction that shocked the nation.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired with three other suspects, who are currently at large, between January and May 2026 to plan and facilitate the abduction of the schoolchildren and their teachers.
The Federal Government further alleged that the trio 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 also accused the defendants of professing membership of Darul Salam, a group alleged to have links with the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru.
Abdulrazak Umar, the first defendant, is facing additional charges bordering on providing terrorist training and using a WhatsApp platform titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to allegedly incite acts of terrorism.
He was also accused of engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Suleja, Niger State, an offence the prosecution said contravenes relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
A security source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja next week following the conclusion of investigations.
The prosecution is expected to present evidence to support the charges when the case comes up for hearing, while the defendants will have the opportunity to enter their pleas before the court.
