Federal authorities have arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after months of investigations involving surveillance, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies.
The DSS said the operation was carefully executed to ensure the suspects were apprehended without endangering public safety, underscoring the gravity of the charges filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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 arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants, all from 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 Oyo State, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Court documents stated that the kidnappings occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where the defendants allegedly collaborated with others to abduct pupils and teachers.
Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects concealed information about the masterminds of the operation and claimed membership of Darul Salam, an affiliate of the outlawed Ansaru terrorist group.
In separate counts, Umar is also accused of providing training and operational instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace, as well as engaging in illegal gold mining.
A security source said investigations are ongoing and that additional suspects are being interrogated.
“Others are still being investigated as the agency remains committed to conducting a thorough and diligent investigation,” the source said.
The prosecution marks another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and strengthen security across the country.