FG Arraigns Three Over Alleged Kidnap of Oriire Pupils and Teachers
The Federal Government has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, are facing a 10 count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly conspired with others between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers. They were also accused of concealing information about the alleged masterminds of the operation and professing membership of Darul Salam, a group the prosecution alleges is affiliated with the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru.
The charge sheet further alleges that Abdulrazak Umar provided training and operational instructions to suspected terrorists through a WhatsApp group, incited acts of terrorism and engaged in illegal gold mining activities in Niger State without lawful authority.
The arraignment comes shortly after the kidnapped pupils and teachers regained their freedom following weeks in captivity, as the Federal Government continues legal proceedings against those accused of involvement in the incident. It is important to note that the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.
