The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced proceedings against five men accused of links to the May 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Thursday for re-arraignment on a seven-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
They all entered not guilty pleas.
Five Defendants in Court
The defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani.
The Federal Government alleges that they are connected with Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru.
The prosecution has linked the defendants to the alleged abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire.
The charges further allege that two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, were killed during the incident.
The defendants have denied the allegations by pleading not guilty.
Witness Protection Approved
During Thursday’s proceedings, the DPPF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, requested that the identities of prosecution witnesses be protected.
He also asked that witnesses be allowed to give evidence while wearing masks.
The request was made under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act relating to witness protection.
Defence lawyer Bala Dakum did not object to the application.
Justice Ibrahim granted the request.
Survivor Gives Evidence
The trial subsequently moved into the evidence stage.
A rescued teacher, identified in court as “AAA”, testified about the attack and the period the victims spent in captivity.
She told the court that armed men invaded the schools after classes had begun and took teachers and pupils away.
According to her testimony, the captives remained in the forest for 56 days before security forces rescued them.
Government Presents Its Case
The prosecution has accused the defendants of offences including conspiracy to kidnap, aiding the alleged abduction, concealing information about an imminent terrorist act and offences connected with the deaths of two victims.
The charges were filed under provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The allegations remain subject to proof in court.
The trial is continuing before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
