RismadarVoice Reporters, July 30, 2026
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the killing of two captives.
The suspects, Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, alias Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, alias Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorism and concealment of information.
According to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the defendants allegedly directed members of the Ansaru terrorist group to kidnap and kill victims across the country in the event of their arrest, with the intention of pressuring the government to meet their demands.
The prosecution further alleged that the May 15, 2026 abduction in Oriire Local Government Area resulted in the deaths of two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, who were allegedly killed by their captors.
The DSS also accused the defendants of failing to disclose information about the planned terrorist attack to security agencies. Three of the suspects, Umar, Musa and Sani, are additionally facing charges of conspiracy and providing support for the alleged kidnapping and killings.
Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecution, led by Dr Caliatus Eze, asked the court to remand them in the custody of the DSS pending the commencement of trial.
Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the request and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody. The court also directed that they be given unrestricted access to their legal representatives, two members of their immediate families and appropriate medical care while in detention.
The case was adjourned until September 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, it could be recalled that the school attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting about 46 pupils and teachers.
Most of the victims were rescued by security operatives after spending nearly two months in captivity, while two of the abductees lost their lives during the incident.
