DSS Re-Arraigns Five Suspected Ansaru Leaders Over Oyo School Kidnapping

The Department of State Services (DSS) has re-arraigned five suspected leaders of the proscribed terrorist group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of about 46 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended seven-count terrorism charge relating to the May 15, 2026 attack on schools in the area.

According to the prosecution, the incident involved the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School.

The DSS alleged that the attack later resulted in the death of two people, including Deacon John Olaleye, who the prosecution said was beheaded, and another victim identified as Michael Oyedokun.

The five defendants are 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.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that witnesses were available and requested that the trial commence immediately.

Oyedepo also asked the court to protect the identities of the witnesses by allowing them to wear masks while giving evidence.

The defence counsel, Bala Dakum, did not oppose the request, and Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the application.

The prosecution further alleged that two of the defendants, Muhammad and Abbas, instructed other members of the group to abduct and kill people across the country in the event of their arrest by the Nigerian government.

The charges were filed under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations of terrorism, murder, failure to disclose information about imminent terrorist acts and aiding the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers.

The case will now proceed to trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.