Five Ansaru suspects arraigned over the Oyo school attack face terrorism charges linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as 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.

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The defendants, identified as 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 and Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge.

The charges relate to allegations of terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorist activities and concealing information about planned attacks.

The prosecution brought the case under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the Federal Government, the suspects were involved in activities linked to Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist organisation, and allegedly played roles in planning attacks intended to pressure the government through violence.

The prosecution alleged that Muhammad and Abbas instructed members of the group to carry out kidnappings and killings if government forces arrested them.

The charges further linked the defendants to the abduction operation in Oriire Local Government Area, where two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, were allegedly killed.

The DSS also accused some of the defendants of providing support for the alleged operation and failing to disclose information about planned terrorist activities to security authorities.

Following the defendants’ pleas, prosecution counsel Dr Caliatus Eze asked the court to remand them in DSS custody pending trial.

Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the request and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody while ensuring they had access to their legal representatives, two immediate family members and necessary medical care.

The court adjourned the matter until September 25 for the commencement of trial.

The case follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed attackers abducted about 46 pupils and teachers.

Most of the victims were later rescued after spending nearly two months in captivity, while two people were reportedly killed during the incident. The attack triggered renewed concerns over school safety and the wider security challenges facing communities in parts of Nigeria.

Beyond the legal proceedings, support efforts have continued for survivors and affected families. Retired and serving staff members of the University of Ibadan donated about N6m to rescued pupils, teachers and families who lost loved ones during the attack.

The support initiative was coordinated by an ad hoc committee led by Professor Ezekiel Ayoola, who said the contribution reflected the academic community’s solidarity with the victims and their families.

“Although the abductees had regained their freedom, many continued to grapple with psychological trauma,” Ayoola said, stressing the need for continued emotional, educational and financial support.

Ayoola added that the intervention was funded through voluntary contributions from academics, including former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, Bowen University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jonathan Babalola, and other scholars.

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

“The academic staff of the University of Ibadan have redefined the relationship between the town and the gown. You have set another pace in humanitarian service,” Adisa said.

The arraignment of the Ansaru suspects arraigned marks the latest legal action against members of the group.

Earlier in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced two senior Ansaru commanders to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences, including kidnapping and terrorism financing.

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The ongoing trial is expected to provide further details about the alleged network behind the Oyo school attack as security agencies continue efforts to address extremist threats and protect vulnerable communities.