Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three men over their alleged involvement in the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
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) were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The charges border on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining, according to court documents obtained by Channels Television.
Conspiracy and Concealment Allegations
All three defendants, residents of Suleja Local Government Area in Niger State, are alleged to have 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.
They are further accused of aiding the kidnapping and concealing 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.
Terror Group Affiliation
The charge also alleged that the trio, on or about June 2, 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.
Specific Allegations Against First Defendant
In separate counts, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is specifically accused of:
· Providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace”
· Inciting members to commit acts of terrorism via the same platform
· Engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026
These offences are said to contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act, Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Court Appearance Expected Next Week
According to a security source, the suspects are expected to appear in court next week having concluded their investigation.
“Others are still being probed as the Agency is insistent on diligent investigation,” the source added.
The charges come weeks after the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, following a joint operation by security forces in the state.
The abduction had sparked widespread outrage and drawn attention to the growing insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
