Crime
PHOTOS: Nigerian Govt Arraigns Three Suspects In Connection to Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers’ Kidnap
The Federal Government on Friday charged three men, Abdulrazak Umar (a.k.a. Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (a.k.a. Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (a.k.a. Abu Itisar), for the recent kidnap of children and teachers of a school in Orire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo state.
The 10-count charge filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, borders on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.
The defendants, all of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, are alleged to have conspired with one Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to kidnap school children and teachers in Oyo State, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
They are further alleged to have aided the kidnap of the school children and teachers, and to have concealed information regarding the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite knowledge of the plot, offences said to contravene Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Act respectively.
The rescued victims. Photo credit: Presidency
The charge also alleged that the trio, on or about 2nd June 2026, professed membership of Darul Salam, described as an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Act.
In separate counts, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, is specifically accused of providing training and instructions to terrorists and inciting members to commit acts of terrorism through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” offences said to contravene Sections 15 and 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism Act as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The tenth count accused Umar of engaging in unlawful gold mining at streams within Chaza area of Suleja LGA between 2024 and 2026, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The charges read;
“COUNT 1
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January- May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed an offence when you conspired with Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 2
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID).
YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and_SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January-May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed an offence when you aided Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab in the kidnap of school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 26(3) of the Act.
COUNT 3
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID).
YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and_SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January-May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed an offence when you aided Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab in the kidnap of school children and teachers in Orire LGA, Oyo State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 26(3) of the Act.
COUNT 4
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ ABU KHALID).
YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and_SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults, all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January-May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: concealment in that you had information about Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab as terrorists who are masterminds of the kidnap of school children and teachers of Orire LGA of Oyo State but failed to report same to the relevant security operatives. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 5
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and_SHAMSU ADAMU SANT (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults, all of Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between January-May, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: concealment in that you had information about the kidnap of school children and teachers of Orire LGA of Oyo State by Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab but failed to report same to the relevant security operatives to facilitate their apprehension. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 6
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), YUNUSA MUSA (A.K.A YUNUSA BIN MUSA) and SHAMSU ADAMU SANI (A.K.A ABU ITISAR), adults all of Suleja LGA, Niger State_on or about the 2nd June, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: membership when you professed to be members of Darul Salam, an affiliate of Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru) a proscribed terrorist group in Nigeria. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 7
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), Male, adult of Sandako, Suleja LGA, Niger State_on or about July, 2026 at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence in that you provided training and instructions to terrorists via your whatsapp group tited “The oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace”. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 8
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), Male, adult of Sandako, Suleja LGA, Niger State on or about July at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence in that you provided training and instructions to terrorists via your whatsapp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace”. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 9
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), Male, adult of Sandako, Suleja LGA, Niger State_on or about July at Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence when you incited your members on your whatsapp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” through your preachings to commit acts of terrorism. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
COUNT 10
That you ABDULRAZAK UMAR (A.K.A ABU KHALIFA/ABU KHALID), Male, adult of Sandako, Suleja LGA, Niger State sometime between 2024-2026 at Chaza Area, Suleja LGA, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence in that you engaged in mining of Gold at streams in Chaza area, Suleja LGA, Niger State without lawful authority. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, LN 2004 and punishable under the same Section of the Act”.
According to a security source, the suspects are expected to appear in court next week having concluded their investigation.
“Others are still being probed as the Agency is insistent on diligent investigation,” the source added.
FOLLOW US ON:
Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, invaded terrorists hideouts, neutralised two bandits and rescued three kidnapped victims, in a successful intelligence led offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer, HQ Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, in a statement, indicated that the operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.
During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them.
Three abducted victims namely: Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA, were rescued. Other captives fled the camp during the firefight.
Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle with optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, one Moniepoint POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism.
He reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements, while also appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.
FOLLOW US ON:
A woman identified as Erdoo Nancy has been arrested for allegedly k!lling her co-wife’s daughter in Ankyoor community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred along Makurdi Road, opposite YUA Guest House in the area.
Local youths reportedly restrained the suspect shortly after the incident before handing her over to officers at the Nigeria Police Force, Aliade Division.
Preliminary reports suggest that the suspect allegedly attacked and k!lled the child while the mother was away.
Details of the incident, including any possible motive, remain unclear.
Benue State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the matter as at the time of filing this report.
FOLLOW US ON:
Troops of the 17 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims who escaped from a terrorists’ hideout after their captors reportedly fell asleep in Katsina State.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, July 17 July 2026.
The victims were intercepted at about 8:30 a.m. on July 15, 2026 by troops on a foot patrol at Anguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two young children. FamilyLaw
During preliminary interrogation, the victims disclosed that they had been abducted by armed terrorists along the Tsafe–Kuchere road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
They told troops that they seized the opportunity to flee after the guards at the terrorists’ enclave fell asleep, trekking until they were encountered by the patrol team.
The victims identified themselves as indigenes of Kuchere village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
The military has taken the victims into protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to contact the relevant authorities for their formal handover and reunification with their families.
Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre.
He reaffirmed the resolve of the Joint Task Force to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens, until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North West
FOLLOW US ON:
PHOTOS: Troops, State Guard Invade Terrorists Hideout, Neutralize 2 In Benue
Woman arrested for allegedly k!lling her co-wife’s child in Benue
PHOTOS: Nine kidnap victims escape as abductors fall asleep in Katsina forest
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
2027: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection amid rumoured Jonathan comeback
🎥 Oyo School Resumes After Terror Attack | Powerful Morning Worship Moves Nigerians to Tears
When Poverty Speaks Through a Mother’s Heart 💔 | A Viral Nigerian Moment
Vigilantes Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader in Zamfara State | Anka LGA Breaking News
-
Crime1 hour agoPopular Anambra Native Doctor Onyeze Jesus Jailed Six Years, Fined ₦20 Million
-
Crime24 hours ago
NSCDC foils pipeline vandalism attempt, recovers equipment in Edo
-
Crime6 hours ago
How syndicates lure elderly citizens into crime
-
Crime6 hours ago
Emefiele finally forfeits mansions, $2m to FG
-
Crime50 minutes ago
Faces of Three Suspects Arraigned in Connection With The Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers’ Kidnap
-
Business6 hours ago
Dangote refinery raises $2.5bn, may go public August
-
Lifestyle6 hours ago
Nigerian men reveals why they can’t use condoms with their wives
-
News24 hours ago
FG targets eradication of sheep, goat disease by 2030
