Federal Government Prosecutes Three Suspects Over Oyo School Kidnapping, Terrorism Allegations

The Federal Government has initiated criminal proceedings against three men accused of participating in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, filing a 10-count charge that includes terrorism-related offences, conspiracy, cybercrime, concealment of information and unlawful mining.

The case, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, names the defendants as 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). All three are from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

Court documents allege that between January and May 2026, the defendants worked with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to organise the kidnapping of schoolchildren and members of staff in Oyo State, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prosecutors also contend that the suspects provided logistical support for the operation and deliberately withheld information that could have exposed those behind the attack, despite allegedly being aware of the plan.

Authorities further claim the trio declared allegiance to Darul Salam, described by investigators as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a group banned under Nigerian law.

The charge places additional focus on Abdulrazak Umar, accusing him of operating a WhatsApp platform known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” According to investigators, the platform was allegedly used to distribute extremist teachings, instruct followers and encourage violent activities.

The prosecution argues that these actions breached both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

In a separate allegation, Umar is accused of carrying out unauthorised gold extraction in streams within the Chaza area of Suleja between 2024 and 2026, an offence prosecutors say contravenes the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

A security source familiar with the matter disclosed that the investigation has been completed with respect to the three defendants and that they are expected to appear before the Federal High Court next week.

The source added that security agencies are still pursuing other individuals believed to have played roles in the incident.

“Other suspects remain under investigation as the agency continues to build additional cases through a thorough and evidence-based process,” the source said.

The prosecution represents another step in the government’s campaign to tackle violent crimes targeting schools, as authorities continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to kidnappings and extremist activities across the country.