Federal Government Charges Trio Over Kidnapping in Oyo State
On Friday, the Federal Government took action by charging three men at the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in the Orile Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants are identified as Abdulrazaq Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also referred to as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shams Adam Sani, who is also known as Abu Itisar. These individuals were apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The charges against the trio include ten counts related to terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement, and illegal mining activities. All three are reportedly residents of the Suleja Local Government Area in Niger State.
According to allegations, the suspects conspired with three others—Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Hababu—to execute the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. These alleged crimes were reportedly committed between January and May 2026, in violation of Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
The suspects are accused of aiding and abetting the abduction while also failing to disclose crucial information regarding the identity and activities of the alleged mastermind of the operation. Such actions infringe upon Article 26, Paragraph 2, and Article 16, Paragraph 1 of the aforementioned Act.
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that as of June 2, 2026, the three defendants identified themselves as members of Darul Salam, which is purportedly linked to the banned terrorist organization Jamaat-e-Asarul Muslimah Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), contrary to Section 25(1) of the same Act.
In a related charge, Abdulrazaq Umar faces specific allegations of providing training and instructions to terrorists, allegedly inciting group members to commit acts of terrorism via a WhatsApp group named “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.” This conduct violates Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act, along with Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Moreover, the tenth charge alleges that Umar engaged in unauthorized gold mining in the streams within the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area from 2024 to 2026, violating Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act.
Security sources have indicated that the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court next week following the completion of investigations. Authorities emphasize their commitment to conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the involvement of additional suspects in this case.
