DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the alleged killing of two victims.

The five defendants — Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar — pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

They are facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorist activities and concealing information connected to the attack.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026, the Federal Government alleged that Muhammad and Abbas directed members of the Ansaru group to carry out kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country if they were arrested.

The prosecution alleged that the planned attacks were intended to pressure the government into meeting demands linked to the defendants’ alleged detention.

The Federal Government further accused the defendants of involvement in the Oriire school abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the affected Oyo community and abducted pupils, teachers and other residents.

The affected schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The attack raised renewed concerns about school security and the safety of pupils, teachers and communities, particularly in rural areas facing growing security challenges.

The prosecution also alleged that the abduction resulted in the deaths of Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, who were among the victims taken during the attack.

According to the charge, the two victims were allegedly killed while in captivity.

The DSS further accused the defendants of concealing information about the planned attack and failing to disclose intelligence that could have assisted security agencies in preventing or responding to the alleged terrorist operation.

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Umar, Musa and Sani were separately accused of conspiracy and aiding the alleged kidnapping and killings.

Following the defendants’ not-guilty pleas, counsel for the prosecution, Dr Caliatus Eze, asked the court to remand them in the protective custody of the DSS pending trial.

Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the application and ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody.

The judge also directed that the defendants be granted unhindered access to their lawyers and two members of their immediate families, while receiving adequate medical care.

Justice Ibrahim subsequently adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

The Oriire school attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the community and abducted about 46 pupils, teachers and other victims.

The victims spent nearly two months in captivity before security agencies carried out an intelligence-led operation that led to the rescue of most of those abducted.

The rescue operation reportedly involved coordinated efforts by security and intelligence agencies, supported by local security groups and community stakeholders.

The Federal Government has linked the attack to Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist group believed to have ties to Al-Qaeda.

The arraignment followed earlier convictions involving other suspects connected to terrorism-related offences. Earlier in July, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced senior Ansaru commanders to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including terrorism financing, kidnapping and related crimes.

Meanwhile, retired and serving staff members of the University of Ibadan (UI) have donated about ₦6 million to rescued pupils and teachers, as well as families who lost relatives during the Oriire school attack.

The donation was presented at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, as part of efforts to support survivors and bereaved families.

Chairman of the University of Ibadan ad hoc committee on support for the rescued victims, Prof Ezekiel Ayoola, said the intervention reflected the academic community’s solidarity with those affected by the attack.

He explained that the funds were raised through voluntary contributions from members of the academic community, including former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor Prof Kayode Adebowale, Bowen University Vice-Chancellor Prof Jonathan Babalola, professors and early-career academics.

Ayoola said the donation was intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts and assure the survivors and bereaved families that they had not been forgotten.

He noted that although the victims had regained their freedom, some were still dealing with the psychological and emotional effects of their experiences.

According to him, sustained mental health support, educational assistance and financial intervention would be important in helping the survivors recover and rebuild their lives.

The academic community also commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies for the coordinated operation that led to the rescue of the victims.

The Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Mr Olubunmi Adisa, described the donation as a significant demonstration of compassion and social responsibility.

The symbolic presentation was made to rescued teachers, pupils and bereaved families by members of the University of Ibadan delegation.

The case remains before the court, and the five defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings