…All Five Plead Not Guilty as Trial Commences
The Department of State Services (DSS) has re-arraigned five alleged leaders of the proscribed terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) over their involvement in the abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the defendants were re-arraigned on Thursday, September 17, 2026, before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the five suspects are Mahmud Muhammad (aka Abu Bara’a, Abbas Mukhtar); Abubakar Abbas (aka Isah Adam, Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri); Abdulrazak Umar (aka Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid); Yunusa Musa (aka Abu Yunusa Bin Musa); and Shamsu Adamu Sani (aka Abu Itisar).
The prosecution alleged that Muhammad and Abbas, described as leaders of Ansaru, instructed their “foot soldiers” to kidnap and kill Nigerians in the event of their arrest, which instigated the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Orire LGAÂ
The victims spent 56 days in captivity before their release on July 10, 2026, following an intelligence-led military operation. Two victims were killed: Deacon John Olaleye was beheaded, while teacher Michael Oyedokun was also killed .
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, applied for immediate commencement of trial and requested that witnesses testify wearing masks for protection. Defence counsel Bala Dakum did not oppose the application, which Justice Ibrahim granted.
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