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The Traffic NG

Oyo

The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to terrorism and illegal mining.

The defendants Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani were brought before the court on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of criminal activities, incitement and illegal mining.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) following investigations into the abduction that occurred earlier this year. The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed between January and May 2026 across different locations in the country.

According to the charge, Abdulrazak Umar allegedly operated a WhatsApp group used to recruit, train and incite individuals to participate in terrorist activities. Prosecutors told the court that the platform served as a channel for coordinating extremist operations and encouraging acts capable of threatening national security.

The Federal Government further alleged that Umar was involved in illegal gold mining activities in Suleja, Niger State, claiming the operation was carried out without the necessary licences and may have been linked to financing unlawful activities.

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Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani were accused of participating in the kidnapping conspiracy and concealing information that could have aided security agencies in preventing or solving the crime.

The charges also include allegations that the defendants knowingly provided support to criminal elements and failed to disclose information relating to terrorist activities, contrary to the provisions of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution informed the judge that investigations are still ongoing and that security agencies are pursuing other suspects believed to have participated in the criminal network behind the school abduction.

The government maintained that the alleged offences pose a serious threat to national security and the safety of schoolchildren, stressing its commitment to prosecuting those responsible for acts of terrorism and kidnapping.

The arraignment comes amid intensified efforts by the Federal Government to curb school abductions and dismantle criminal syndicates operating across different parts of the country.

The kidnapping of the Oriire school pupils and teachers had sparked nationwide concern over the security of educational institutions, prompting renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.

The case was adjourned to a later date for further proceedings, while the defendants remain subject to the orders of the court as the trial continues.

Oyo