By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge against three suspected kidnappers accused of abducting students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, target Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani for alleged terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining. The suspects allegedly committed the offences between January and June 2026 by collaborating with other suspected terrorists. They are expected to appear in court next week.
FG Files Terrorism and Kidnapping Charges
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are 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.
All three suspects are from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
Prosecutors alleged that they conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Suspects Allegedly Concealed Terror Plot
The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants assisted in carrying out the abduction.
Investigators also accused them of concealing information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite knowing about the plot.
The charges reportedly violate Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Alleged Membership of Banned Terror Group
The charge sheet stated that on June 2, 2026, the three defendants allegedly declared membership of Darul Salam.
Authorities described Darul Salam as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a terrorist organisation banned in Nigeria.
The alleged offence violates Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Umar Faces Additional Cybercrime and Illegal Mining Charges
Meanwhile, prosecutors filed additional charges against Abdulrazak Umar.
They accused him of providing training and instructions to terrorists.
He also allegedly encouraged terrorist activities through a WhatsApp group named “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.”
Authorities said those actions breached Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act and Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In addition, Umar allegedly engaged in illegal gold mining at streams in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026.
Prosecutors said the mining activities contravened Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Suspects to Appear in Court
The Federal Government said the three defendants will appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja next week to answer the charges.
