FG Files 10-count Charge against Three Alleged Kidnappers of Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

The federal government of Nigeria has brought a 10-count criminal charge against three men arrested in connection with the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, encompass terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement, and illegal mining.

The accused, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, are alleged to have conspired between January and May 2026 to abduct students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area. The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, sparking nationwide outrage over insecurity.

These individuals are further accused of aiding the kidnapping and withholding information about the masterminds. The charge sheet also alleges that the trio professed membership in Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist organization Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru). Umar faces additional charges for providing terrorist training, inciting acts of terrorism via a WhatsApp group, and engaging in unlawful gold mining.

The abducted schoolchildren and teachers were released on July 10, 2026. The charges filed aim to address the serious security concerns highlighted by this incident, which occurred despite previous efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region.