Oyo Kidnap: FG Re-arraigns Convicted Ansaru Commanders, Three Others

Two convicted Ansaru terror commanders and three associates face new charges in Abuja, accused of orchestrating the recent killings of teachers and the abduction of students in Oyo State. The federal government re-arraigned Mahmud Usman Muhammad, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Abubakar Abbas, his deputy, along with Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani.

Muhammad and Abbas had previously pleaded guilty to terrorism charges and were sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Emeka Nwite on July 20. Similarly, Umar, Musa, and Sani received life sentences from Justice Ibrahim on July 23 for their roles in the kidnapping of school children and teachers.

The fresh six-count criminal charge, filed on July 29, alleges that Muhammad and Abbas, between 2025 and 2026, ordered their foot soldiers to kidnap and kill victims if arrested, aiming to pressure the government. The prosecution seeks a trial date, while the defense objected to the defendants' continued detention in DSS custody. Justice Ibrahim overruled the objection, granting the defendants access to lawyers and family, and adjourned the case to September 25.