Five men accused of involvement in the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have pleaded not guilty to amended terrorism charges filed against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The suspects, alleged to be members of the Ansaru terrorist group, were re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday over their alleged roles in the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where about 46 pupils and teachers were abducted earlier this year.
The defendants, identified as Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam; Abdulrazak Umar; Yunusa Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, face a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences. The charges include conspiracy to kidnap, aiding and facilitating abduction, concealing information about an impending terrorist attack, and involvement in killings linked to the incident.
According to the prosecution, Muhammad and Abbas allegedly directed the other three defendants, described as their subordinates, to carry out violent attacks and kidnappings. Prosecutors further alleged that the directives led to the May 15, 2026 invasion of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Federal Government also accused the defendants of being responsible for the deaths of Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye during the attack. One of the counts specifically alleged that Olaleye was decapitated during the incident.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), requested immediate commencement of trial and sought protective measures for prosecution witnesses. He asked the court to permit witnesses to testify under concealment, including the use of masks, in view of the nature of the case and security concerns.
Counsel to the defendants did not oppose the application. Consequently, Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the request and approved measures aimed at protecting the identities of witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 18 for continuation of proceedings.
The case has attracted significant public attention because it relates to a school abduction, a crime that has become a major security concern in several parts of the country in recent years. Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of terrorist and criminal groups targeting schools, while governments at different levels continue to seek measures to strengthen protection for educational institutions.
With the suspects maintaining their innocence, the court is expected to hear evidence from both the prosecution and defence as the trial progresses.
