Defendants face 10-count terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal mining charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Federal Government has arraigned three suspected terrorists before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspects, 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 docked on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and illegal mining.
According to court documents, the defendants, 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 orchestrate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire.
The Federal Government further alleged that the suspects aided the kidnapping operation and deliberately concealed information relating to 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 suspects are expected to stand trial as security agencies continue investigations into the abduction case, which drew national attention and sparked widespread concern over the safety of schools across the country.