Nigeria’s Federal Government has formally arraigned five men, including two alleged commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, over their alleged roles in the kidnapping and killing of teachers during a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspects appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where prosecutors accused them of involvement in the abduction and beheading of two teachers. The Department of State Services (DSS) identified two of the defendants as senior Ansaru commanders, while the remaining three were described as operatives who participated in the attack.
Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody and fixed September 24 for the commencement of their trial.
The arraignment comes days after another court sentenced three men to life imprisonment over their involvement in the same Oriire school kidnapping. The convicts had pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences, including concealing information about the attackers and belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the banned Ansaru terrorist group.
One of the convicted men also admitted to using a WhatsApp group to provide ideological training and instructions to terrorist members. He further faced charges linked to illegal gold mining, which authorities alleged was used to support terrorist activities.
Although the three convicted men denied taking part directly in the school attack, they will still face trial on the remaining charges, with hearings scheduled for September 16 and 17. Meanwhile, the DSS has indicated it will appeal the life sentences, arguing that the offences warrant the death penalty.
The latest prosecution underscores Nigeria’s continuing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks responsible for attacks on schools and communities, particularly in regions affected by insecurity.
