The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three men over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as terrorism-related offences and illegal gold mining.
The defendants, 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 charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the charge sheet, the three suspects, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, are facing allegations bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of terrorist activities, incitement, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, cybercrime, and illegal mining.
The Federal Government alleged that between January and May 2026, the trio conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap school children and teachers in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
Prosecutors further accused them of aiding the abduction and failing to disclose information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 26(1), 26(2), and 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge sheet also alleged that on or about June 2, 2026, the three defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described by the prosecution as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
The alleged offence is contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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.”
The prosecution alleged that Umar used the platform to train members and encourage acts of terrorism, contrary to Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He is also accused of using the same WhatsApp group to incite members through his teachings to commit terrorist acts, an offence said to violate 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 in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The charge sheet detailed allegations that the suspects failed to report information capable of preventing the abduction or facilitating the arrest of the alleged masterminds, despite allegedly possessing knowledge of both the planned kidnapping and the identities of those responsible.
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 into other suspected members of the network are still ongoing, noting that the agency handling the case remains committed to conducting a thorough and diligent investigation.
The defendants have not yet entered pleas to the charges, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
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