The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three men, Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar), over the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, border on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the charge sheet, the three 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 Oriire LGA, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants aided the kidnapping of the pupils and teachers, contrary to Sections 26(2) and 26(3) of the Act.
The charge sheet also accused them of concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot. They were further accused of failing to report information relating to the kidnapping to security agencies to facilitate the arrest of the suspects, offences said to be contrary to Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In another count, the three defendants were alleged to have professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), on or about June 2, 2026, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism Act.
Separate charges were filed against the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, who is accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” contrary to Section 15 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He is also accused of providing terrorist training through the same WhatsApp platform, contrary to Section 2(2)(g) of the Act.
The Federal Government further alleged that Umar used the WhatsApp group to incite members through his preachings to commit acts of terrorism, an offence said to contravene Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In the tenth count, Umar was accused of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
According to a security source, investigations into the case have been concluded and the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja next week.
