The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in 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, popularly called Abu Itisar — are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement, and unlawful mining.

According to court documents, the suspects allegedly conspired with three other persons currently at large to orchestrate the abduction between January and May 2026.

The prosecution further accused them of facilitating the kidnapping operation and deliberately withholding information about the identities and whereabouts of the alleged masterminds from security agencies.

The Federal Government also alleged that the three men declared allegiance to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

One of the defendants, Abdulrazak Umar, was separately accused of using a WhatsApp platform, The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace, to recruit, indoctrinate, and encourage members to engage in terrorist activities.

He is also standing trial for allegedly carrying out illegal gold mining operations in Chaza, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, without lawful authorisation.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects are expected to take their plea before the Federal High Court next week, while investigations into other members of the alleged criminal network are still ongoing.