Three men from Suleja, Niger State, have been charged by the Federal Government for the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State.
Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani face a 10-count indictment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, covering terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement, and illegal mining.
The state alleges that between January and May 2026, the trio conspired with at least three other individuals—Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab—to orchestrate the school raids.
It was further alleged that the men have aided the k!dnap of the school children and teachers, and to have concealed information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite knowledge of the plot, offences said to contravene Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Act respectively.
The charge sheet also alleged that the trio, on or about 2nd June 2026, professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Act.
In separate counts, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is specifically accused of providing training and instructions to terror!sts and inciting members to commit acts of terror!sm through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” offences said to contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The 10th count accused Umar of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The defendants are expected to appear in court next week.
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