DSS Arraigns Three Over Oyo School Abduction, Terrorism-Related Charges

The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspected terrorists before the Federal High Court on Thursday, July 23, 2026, over their alleged involvement in the abduction of students from Oriire in Oyo State and other terrorism-related offences.

The suspects, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, alias Abu Itisar, will face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related activities.

According to the charge filed before the court, the three defendants, all natives of Niger State, are accused of knowingly withholding information about persons involved in terrorist activities, participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.

The prosecution alleges that the offences contravene relevant provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and other applicable laws.

The arraignment is expected to mark the formal commencement of the trial, with the court set to take the defendants’ pleas before issuing further directions on the case.

The charges stem from ongoing investigations into the abduction of students in Oriire, Oyo State, a case that drew national attention over concerns about insecurity and attacks on educational institutions.