Nigeria has launched one of its most significant terrorism prosecutions linked to school kidnappings, charging three men accused of participating in the abduction of children and teachers in Oyo State as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle extremist networks operating across the country.
Federal prosecutors filed a 10-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani. The charges include terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of terrorist activities, terrorist financing-related offences, cybercrime-related incitement and illegal gold mining.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired with other suspects between January and May 2026 to facilitate the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Prosecutors also allege that the trio withheld intelligence about the operation despite having knowledge of those involved.
The government further claims the defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, which investigators identify as an affiliate of the banned extremist group Ansaru. One of the accused also faces separate allegations of providing online terrorist instruction through a WhatsApp group, encouraging acts of terrorism and operating an illegal gold-mining venture allegedly used outside lawful regulation.
The prosecution underscores Nigeria’s broader campaign to disrupt armed groups that have repeatedly targeted schools, a security challenge that has attracted international concern over children’s safety, regional stability and the protection of education across West Africa.
Authorities said investigations remain ongoing and additional suspects are still under scrutiny. The defendants are expected to appear in court next week as the legal process continues.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
