Oriire Kidnap: FG Arraigns Five Alleged Ansaru Members Over Terrorism, Kidnapping, Murder of Teachers
The Federal Government has arraigned five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in terrorism, the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and the beheading of two teachers.
The five defendants were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Salim Ibrahim on charges bordering on terrorism, kidnapping and murder. Following their arraignment, the court adjourned the case until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Among the suspects are two alleged Ansaru commanders, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abbas, popularly known as Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, who were arrested by DSS operatives in August 2025 during separate counter-terrorism operations. Three other suspects linked to the Oriire abduction were subsequently arrested during operations that led to the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
The latest arraignment comes days after a Federal High Court sentenced Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara’a) and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to some counts in a 32-count charge relating to membership of a terrorist organisation and other offences.
Despite the earlier conviction, the DSS instituted fresh criminal proceedings against the suspects and three alleged accomplices over offences specifically connected to the Oriire school abduction, the killing of two teachers and other acts of terrorism allegedly committed in Oyo State.
The Oriire kidnapping, which attracted nationwide attention, involved the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were later rescued after spending several weeks in captivity following coordinated security operations.
The fresh prosecution underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure that all individuals allegedly involved in the Oriire attack face the full weight of the law, while security agencies continue investigations into the activities of the Ansaru terrorist network across the country.