ABUJA – The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against three men over their alleged involvement in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants are 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), all said to be residents of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The charges, filed by the Federal Government, border on conspiracy, terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of terrorist activities, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, terrorist training, incitement through electronic communication, and illegal mining.
According to the charge, the three defendants allegedly conspired between January and May 2026 with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants aided the commission of the kidnapping and provided support to the principal suspects, contrary to Sections 26(1), 26(2) and 26(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Federal Government further accused the defendants of concealing information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the planned abduction and failing to report the information to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 16(1) of the Terrorism Act.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that on or about June 2, 2026, the three defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described in the charge as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge also contains separate allegations against the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar.
According to the prosecution, Umar allegedly used a WhatsApp platform titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to provide training and operational instructions to members of a terrorist group.
He was further accused of using the same platform to incite members through his teachings to commit acts of terrorism, contrary to Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In the final count, Umar was accused of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams located 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.
The charge alleges that the illegal mining activities were carried out without the requisite legal authorisation.
A security source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court next week following the conclusion of investigations.
The source added that investigations are continuing in respect of other suspected collaborators.
“Others are still being probed as the Agency is insistent on diligent investigation,” the source said.
The case is expected to test the application of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, particularly in relation to conspiracy, support for terrorist organisations, concealment of terrorist activities, online incitement, and the prosecution of offences connected with terrorism financing and related criminal activities.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established by the court.
