Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh Charges
A planned judicial showdown over a deadly school raid in Oyo State took an unexpected turn Wednesday when five accused Ansaru militants refused government legal aid, forcing a 24-hour delay in their trial.
The suspects, identified under several battlefield aliases including Abu Bara’a, Isah Adam, Abu Khalifa, Abu Yunusa Bin Musa, and Abu Itisar, stand accused of orchestrating the May 15 terror raid in Oriire, where pupils and their teachers were seized, and two captives were murdered.
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When the Federal High Court prepared to read the DSS’s amended six-count charge sheet, court-appointed counsel Akilaluyel Shettima stood to represent the men. However, lead defendant Mahmud Muhammad abruptly interjected, informing Justice Salim Ibrahim that the group would not proceed without their chosen attorney, Bala Dakum.
Rather than force the arraignment, government prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, conceded the point on fundamental rights grounds, affirming that a defendant’s choice of legal defense remains a non-negotiable constitutional protection.
Following the concession, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the session until September 17, ordering the secret police to provide the five men immediate access to Dakum so their defense can be finalized ahead of the fresh plea.
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