FG Charges Three DSS-Arrested Suspects With Terrorism Over Oriire School Abduction

The Federal Government has filed terrorism-related charges against three men arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

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 arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.

According to the charge sheet, the three men, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The prosecution further alleged that the suspects aided the kidnapping operation and failed to report information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds to security agencies despite having prior knowledge of the plot.

The Federal Government also accused the trio of professing membership of Darul Salam, which prosecutors described as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), on or about June 2, 2026.

Abdulrazak Umar faces additional charges of allegedly providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled "The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace" and using the platform to incite members to commit acts of terrorism.

He was also charged with engaging in illegal gold mining in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority.

According to court documents, the offences are punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

A security source said the three suspects are expected to appear before the Federal High Court next week following the conclusion of investigations.