FG Cracks Down: 10-Count Charge Filed in Shocking Oyo Abduction Case

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially filed a 10-count charge against three individuals at the Federal High Court in Abuja, linking them to the recent abduction of school children and teachers in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The defendants, identified 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), were apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS). All three accused are residents of Suleja Local Government Area in Niger State.

The charges levied against them include terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and illegal mining. According to the charge sheet, the trio allegedly conspired with three other individuals—Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab—to execute the abduction incident in Oyo State. These alleged offences are said to have occurred between January and May 2026, and contravene Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Further allegations state that the defendants aided the kidnap of the school children and teachers, and knowingly concealed critical information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds of the plot. Such acts are in violation of Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Terrorism Act, respectively. Moreover, the charge sheet claims that on or about June 2, 2026, the three men professed membership of Darul Salam, an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), which is a proscribed terrorist organization in Nigeria. This constitutes an offence contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism Act.

Abdulrazak Umar faces additional specific charges. He is accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists, as well as inciting members to commit acts of terrorism through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” These actions contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. Furthermore, Umar is charged with engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within the Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026, an offence contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Following the conclusion of investigations, the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court in the coming week. Security sources have indicated that investigations into the roles of other potential suspects are still ongoing, underscoring the agency's commitment to a thorough and diligent probe.