Three suspected members of a terrorist network have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, in a case that also involves allegations of terrorism, incitement, concealment and illegal gold mining.
The suspects — 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 arraigned by the Federal Government on a 10-count charge following investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the charge, the defendants, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
The Federal Government accused the trio of aiding the abduction and concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge further alleged that the defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an offence under the Terrorism Act.
Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges of allegedly providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” and using the platform to incite members to commit acts of terrorism.
He was also accused of engaging in illegal gold mining in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority, contrary to the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The offences are said to contravene various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
A security source disclosed that the suspects are expected to be produced before the Federal High Court next week following the conclusion of investigations.
The source added that investigations are continuing into the activities of other suspected members of the network.
“Others are still being probed as the agency is insistent on diligent investigation,” the source said.
