The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three terrorists linked to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to life imprisonment.
Justice Salim Ibrahim convicted Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, after they pleaded guilty to some counts in a 10-count terrorism charge filed against them by the Federal Government.
The court sentenced each of the three convicts to life imprisonment on count six for belonging to a proscribed terrorist organisation.
They were also sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment on count four for concealing information about terrorists involved in the Oyo school abduction.
Umar received additional life sentences on counts seven, nine and 10, as well as a 20-year prison term on count eight.
The three convicts, all from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the defendants pleaded guilty to counts four and six, while Umar also pleaded guilty to counts seven, eight, nine and 10.
A DSS investigator, identified only as AA, testified that the defendants made voluntary statements in the presence of their lawyers and that the interviews were audio-visually recorded.
According to the investigator, forensic analysis established that the three men were close associates of those responsible for the Oyo school abduction and failed to report information about their activities to security agencies.
He also told the court that the defendants admitted belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a terrorist group banned in Nigeria. Is
The investigator further stated that an examination of Umar’s electronic devices showed he distributed extremist materials to his followers and also confessed to engaging in illegal mining.
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The prosecution tendered the defendants’ extra-judicial statements, a flash drive containing the recordings of their interrogations and a DSS investigation report submitted to the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The defence did not object, and the court admitted the exhibits into evidence.
In a plea for leniency, defence counsel A.A. Shettima urged the court to show mercy, arguing that the convicts were first-time offenders who admitted their offences and expressed remorse.
He also maintained that the charges to which they pleaded guilty did not directly link them to carrying out the abduction.
DSS Urges Court to Impose Stiff Penalties
However, Oyedepo opposed the request, urging the court to impose stiff penalties to deter terrorism and the concealment of information about terrorist activities.
He argued that the defendants knew about the kidnappers and those holding the victims but failed to inform security agencies.
He added that one teacher was beheaded, another was shot dead during the incident, and many affected families were still living with the consequences of the attack.
Justice Ibrahim subsequently imposed the sentences and adjourned the matter until September 16 and 17, 2026, for trial on counts one, two, three and five, to which the defendants pleaded not guilty.
According to the charges, the Federal Government alleged that between January and May in Suleja, the defendants concealed information about Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab, who were identified as terrorists and alleged masterminds of the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The government also alleged that on or about June 2 in Suleja, the defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, an affiliate of the banned Ansaru terrorist group.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.