The Federal Government has filed a 10-count criminal charge against three men accused of involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, border on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining, according to a report by TheCable.
Three Suspects Face Trial
The suspects 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.
The Federal Government alleges that the three men played roles in the May 15, 2026, attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
How the Attack Happened
Gunmen riding motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers and a toddler.
The incident triggered nationwide outrage after a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity. Reports also indicated that two other teachers later died during the ordeal.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded ransom, the release of detained terrorist suspects and other conditions before the victims could regain their freedom.
Victims Rescued After 56 Days
The surviving victims were rescued in early July following coordinated operations by the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
The Federal Government said eight suspects were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation, maintaining that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place.
Following the rescue, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received the victims and called for a United Nations investigation into the abduction.
Court Proceedings Expected
The latest charges mark another phase in the prosecution of those allegedly linked to one of Nigeria’s most high-profile school abduction cases this year.
Further details are expected as proceedings begin before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
