The Federal Government has filed terrorism-related charges against three men accused of participating in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, popularly called Yunusa bin Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The 10-count charge borders on alleged terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, cyber-related offences and unlawful mining activities.
According to the charge sheet, the three defendants, who are residents of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly worked with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to plan and execute the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The Federal Government accused them of conspiracy under Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects actively assisted in carrying out the kidnapping operation, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Act.
The government also accused the trio of deliberately withholding information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite being aware of the planned operation, an offence punishable under Section 16(1) of the Terrorism Act.
Another count alleged that on or about June 2, 2026, the three defendants openly professed membership of Darul Salam, described by the prosecution as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a terrorist organisation proscribed in Nigeria.
The offence was said to be contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Federal Government also brought separate allegations against the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar.
According to the prosecution, Umar allegedly organised terrorist training and provided operational instructions through a WhatsApp platform known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.”
He was accused of using the platform to train members and encourage activities linked to terrorism in violation of Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act.
The prosecution further alleged that Umar used the WhatsApp group to incite members to commit terrorist acts through his teachings, contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In the final count, Umar was accused of engaging in illegal gold mining operations between 2024 and 2026 within streams located in Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area without lawful authorisation.
The offence was brought under Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Court documents stated that the suspects knowingly participated in activities aimed at supporting terrorist operations and failed to provide information that could have helped security agencies prevent or disrupt the kidnapping.
The charge sheet also alleged that they deliberately concealed intelligence relating to the movement and operations of the suspected kidnappers.
A security source disclosed that investigations into the matter have been concluded with respect to the three defendants and that they are expected to be formally arraigned before the court next week.
The source added that investigations are continuing in relation to other suspects believed to be connected to the alleged criminal network.
According to the source, additional individuals remain under investigation as authorities continue efforts to dismantle the group and ensure that everyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
