Five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group have been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State. The defendants, Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Sani pleaded not guilty to seven terrorism-related charges filed against them. The case relates to an attack in May 2026 during which gunmen reportedly invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted pupils and teachers. During proceedings, a prosecution witness identified as “AAA” for security reasons told the court how the attackers allegedly invaded the school, opened fire and took their victims into a forest. According to evidence presented in court, seven teachers and 39 pupils were held for 56 days. The victims were subsequently rescued by security agencies, although one teacher reportedly died while in captivity. The prosecution is expected to present further evidence as the trial progresses. The case is being closely followed because of the wider security concerns surrounding school kidnappings and the safety of students and teachers in vulnerable areas. The court will determine the culpability of the defendants based on the evidence presented during the proceedings.
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