Three Men Charged Over Kidnap of Oyo School Children, Teachers

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The Federal Government on Friday charged three men over the kidnap of children and teachers in Orirre Local Government Area of Oyo State. Those arraigned were: Abdulrazak Umar (a.k.a. Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (a.k.a. Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (a.k.a. Abu Itisar).

The 10-count charge filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, borders on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining. The defendants, all of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, are alleged to have conspired with one Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap school children and teachers in Oyo State, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They are further alleged to have aided the kidnap of the school children and teachers, and to have concealed information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite knowledge of the plot, offences said to contravene Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Act respectively.

In separate counts, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is specifically accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists and inciting members to commit acts of terrorism through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” offences said to contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The tenth count accused Umar of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The charges read; “COUNT 1That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January- May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed an offence when you conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

The trio, who were brought before Justice Okon Abang, were granted bail on self-recognition, but their passports have been seized by the court.

Abdulrazak Umar was also accused of owning a WhatsApp group that facilitated terrorist activities and aiding the alleged masterminds of the kidnapping.

A source close to the prosecution told our correspondent that the charges against the men were based on evidence gathered from a lengthy investigation.

According to the source, the men's passports have been seized by the court as a condition for their bail, pending further action.

Abdulrazak Umar was specifically accused of inciting terrorists through the WhatsApp group and aiding the masterminds of the kidnapping.

The charge sheet also alleged that the trio, on or about 2nd June 2026, professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Act.

Charges and Investigation

The men are facing 10-count charges of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining, and are alleged to have conspired with others to kidnap school children and teachers in Oyo State.

The charges include aiding the kidnap of the school children and teachers, concealing information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds, and providing training and instructions to terrorists through a WhatsApp group.

Abdulrazak Umar, the leader of the group, is accused of inciting terrorists and aiding the masterminds of the kidnapping.

The men were granted bail on self-recognition, but their passports were seized by the court as a condition for their release.

A source close to the prosecution said the charges were based on evidence gathered from a lengthy investigation and that the men's passports would remain seized until further action was taken.

Bail and Consequences

The men were granted bail on self-recognition, but their passports have been seized by the court.

Abdulrazak Umar was specifically accused of inciting terrorists through the WhatsApp group, and the men are alleged to have conspired with others to kidnap school children and teachers in Oyo State.

If found guilty, the men could face severe punishment, including life imprisonment and fines.

The charges against the men have highlighted the ongoing struggles of security agencies to prevent terrorist activities in Nigeria.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken steps to address the concerns of security agencies and the public, by granting the men bail and seizing their passports.

The court's decision to grant bail to the men has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some calling for their release and others calling for stricter punishment.

The charges against the men are a reminder of the ongoing efforts of security agencies to prevent terrorist activities in Nigeria.

This case highlights the complex nature of terrorism and the challenges faced by security agencies in preventing such activities.

Nigeria has been plagued by terrorist activities in recent years, with many schools and communities targeted by terrorists.

The charges against the men are a significant step in addressing the root causes of terrorism in Nigeria.